Do you consider yourself a creative thinker in the workplace, or do you prefer to follow a predetermined set of rules?
Most organizations prefer to hire candidates who can apply creative thinking when needed but can also follow protocols and guidelines. Assure the interviewer that you are an individual who can achieve both.
"In the workplace, I prefer straightforward rules and expectations. Once I am comfortable with my knowledge base, I can start to think outside of the box. So, to answer your question, I would say I bring a healthy balance of both."
"I am most comfortable when my creativity is challenged. I like to think of new ways of working and create alternate solutions to a variety of scenarios. With that said, I am more than capable of following a predetermined set of rules."
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 follow the rules at first. After I have learned and am comfortable with my knowledge base, I start to be more creative with my thought processes. I like to know every base is covered. So to the answer, I would say that I bring a combination of both.
Rachelle's Feedback
Your response certainly shows that you have the right amount of balance. It's great that you highlight the fact that you follow the rules very carefully at first and then can modify if needed, once you are more comfortable.
Anonymous Answer
Most of the technical support does not need creative thinking, but creativity comes in when we design a new system, and I am pretty comfortable doing so. Tech support needs proper documentation and execution, but creating a new system will require technical creativity, which can help to design a better approach. In all cases, organizational and software guidelines are essential.
Marcie's Feedback
Can you give an example that supports the assertion that you can be creative when designing a new system?
Anonymous Answer
I consider myself to have a balance in both. Initially, I like to learn the expectations and follow them until I’m more comfortable and encouraged to tap into my creativity.
Jaymie's Feedback
Great! It's always best to reassure the interviewer that you are balanced and have creative skills but can also follow a set of rules or policies.
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