Tell me about your learning style and study patterns.
The interviewer wants to understand your learning methods and level of discipline when absorbing new content and gaining new skills. The goal of your response is to show the interviewer that your learning style is a match for the hiring company's onboarding approach, work environment, and employee training process.
"I prefer to learn at an independent pace where there is little pressure from others to absorb important information in a way specific to their learning styles."
"I am very much a visual learner. While completing my business administration diploma, I watched a lot of online tutorials, for instance. This method helped me to commit particular steps to memory. For example, this method of studying helped me a great deal when learning advanced Excel techniques. I was a diligent student."
"As a student, I was always on the move. If I could listen to an audiobook while running on the treadmill, I could nail the book review the following day. I have a high amount of energy, which lends itself well to my energetic management style."
"I am a creative individual, and I have to see my work in action before I can fully execute. Even as a student, I would make up make-shift storyboards in my dorm room. I always put extra effort into my creative school projects. This area is where I stood out academically. I guess I chose the right career path, didn't I!"
"In my current position, I had to memorize over 1,000 SKU's from our product catalog. Because I connect to learning kinetically, I created flashcards for myself. I studied this way in college, as well, and found it very helpful."
"I am a social person by nature. In school, I created a study group of eight. We would meet at a local coffee shop and study together, bounce ideas off of each other, and have friendly debates on the material. Now, when learning a new job, I will go to a location like a Starbucks, where there are some buzz and energy around me."
"As a teacher, I tend to encourage a variety of learning methods. I consider myself a dynamic learner, and I know that many of my students are as well. This means that you cannot put these learners into a box and expect one method of learning to resonate with all of them. For this reason, I create learning stations in my classroom. As a child, this is how I learned the best as well. College was great for this, with a balance of desk work, labs, and practicum."
Be as specific as possible when describing your learning style and study methods. Think back to your high school or post-secondary education and consider the successful learning and study approach you implemented during that time. If you are a professional dedicated to continued learning, discuss how you ensure that the content you are taking in is truly absorbed. At the end of your response, make a connection between your learning style and the hiring company's approach to training and educating its employees.
Perhaps you are a visual learner who utilizes images to recall information. Maybe you prefer to listen to classical music or binaural beats while learning new material, helping you absorb the content. Perhaps you are a kinaesthetic learner, committing data to memory when moving or using hands-on tools. There are many different learning styles, so it's essential to explore and understand how you best learn.
Rather than giving a cliche or overused response like, 'I am a hands-on learner,' dig deeper and be specific. You are a unique individual, so ensure that your answer stands out from the crowd.
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 prefer to learn in my own space through online tutorials. This method has helped me understand and practice at the same time. For example, I signed up with Linda.com to learn more advanced Excel techniques. I was a diligent worker and student.
Kevin's Feedback
Good answer. I reworded your answer a bit for clarity and flow.
"I am more of an independent learner and prefer to learn in my own space. I love online tutorials, for this method helps me understand at my own pace and practice as much as I need. For example, I took the initiative to sign up for Linda.com. I am currently taking online courses to expand my Excel skills."
