Are you more of a hunter or a gatherer?

What You Need to Know
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Answer Example
Mechanical Engineer Example
Manufacturing Engineer Example

This question serves as a personality assessment. Before answering this question, recognize that you don't have to be confined to one extreme or the other. Sometimes there is more value in displaying your propensity for thinking outside the box and having a foot in both worlds, recognizing the significance of the question.

These are two distinct metaphorical views of innovator personalities. This question aims to determine which one applies to you. A hunter's personality focuses on a short-term goal, ready to fearlessly charge and overcome the odds. It also suggests attention to a broad landscape, seeing what is on the immediate horizon. Gatherers are viewed as more methodical, playing the long game toward the big-picture goals. These personalities are typically viewed as multitaskers focused on the data and the finer details with a more narrow view.

"I'd say I am whichever I need to be at any time. Using this metaphor, I am a survivor who identifies every opportunity presented. I'm resourceful and will keep moving forward, depending on the conditions of any given day."

"I am a gatherer and obtaining my Professional Engineers license is proof of that. It was a long process with a multitude of paperwork. There were two separate tests and 6 years of relevant work experience. It was the definition of the long game, with a lifetime of benefits to reap."

"I would consider myself a gatherer. When thrown into tasks, I like to pull from the knowledge, skills, tools, and experience of others to help me develop a solution. By taking in from other's experiences and looking into alternative methods, I am able to come up with better solutions than I could come up with on my own."