Do you prefer to work in a team based position or individually?
This is a common behavioral question aimed at determining where you fall on the scale of being an extrovert versus an introvert. A more introverted individual recharges their battery in solitary environments, whereas an extroverted individual thrives in social settings. They want to ascertain whether you work well with others or prefer to work solely on your own. Most people fall somewhere in the middle between these two extremes on the scale. How you answer this question will also clue them into how well you would function in their work environment.
Talk to the interviewer about your preference when it comes to teamwork or working individually. Your answer to this question will allow the interviewer to determine your placement in their team environment, so answer as honestly as you can. Exhibit your ability to be productive in any environment. Discuss your ideal environment with the interviewer with realistic expectations. Be sure to research the type of environment that is offered in this position before the interview. Frame your answer in a positive light and exhibit flexibility. Be sure to avoid pigeonholing yourself into one particular scenario. Most people fall somewhere in the middle. Focus your answer on what it takes for you to perform at your best without focusing on how difficult it may be to maintain your focus in other environments.
"I have found, in the past, that I work best in an individually driven environment; however, I can certainly be productive in a team-based setting as well."
"I am happy to work either with a team or independently. I truly do not have a preference. Does this position lean to one more than the other, or is there a balanced mix of the two situations?"
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I like to work in a team when I am thinking through a big decision or complex idea, but if I want to get a lot of work done with no distractions, I prefer to be by myself. I think that working with other people is effective when you are collaborating on new ideas for business projects, but when it comes to cranking out work I think by myself is better.
Amanda's Feedback
Good job! You've confirmed that you can adapt to work collaboratively or independently depending on the task. You can give this answer more impact by briefly sharing about a large project or initiative you've collaborated on effectively and then what kind of work you've accomplished independently in the past. This gives the interviewer a clearer picture of the different settings you've worked in.
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