Do you prefer doing work on a routine day-to-day basis, or do you prefer mixing up your routine occasionally?
The interviewer wants to know if you prefer to stick to one routine or thrive on the challenge and excitement of unpredictability. They ask this question to see if you are flexible with your schedule and will be a good fit for their team. It is best to determine the work schedule and job duties before your interview to formulate the best response to this question.
"I prefer working in a more predictable environment because I can be more effective in my tasks. With that said, I can certainly work in an unpredictable environment when needed."
"I am accustomed to working in an unpredictable environment and tend to prefer that pace. It's fast and makes every day different. I enjoy the challenge! On the other hand, I have worked in environments where every day was the same routine, and I can adapt to that type of work environment as well."
"I am comfortable either way, but I would probably grow bored if nothing ever changed. Having a few days of status quo now and then is good for my sanity, though."
Focus on what you like best, but assure the interviewer you are flexible and can adapt to both scenarios. Give the reason you prefer one over the other so that the interviewer can gain insight into your work style.
Avoid saying that you prefer one over the other and are not flexible. Suppose the company offers work on a routine day-by-day basis, and you only like mixing up your routine. In that case, the interviewer may decide that you are not flexible and will not be a good candidate for their organization.
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'm fully capable of both, but I would say that I enjoy the challenge of not knowing what to expect at all times.
Rachelle's Feedback
Outstanding balance in this response. You sound highly capable in either situation.
Anonymous Answer
I have no preference. I'm able to manage both routines.
Rachelle's Feedback
It's fantastic that you can manage both! To 'show' the interviewer, be sure to give a specific example of your work-in-action in both scenarios. I have provided a starter, below.
"I can work in a daily routine or with a variety of task changes. One example of thriving in a routine....(insert a brief story example). Working in a less structured routine...(insert a brief story example)."
Anonymous Answer
I enjoy being familiar with what I am doing, but also enjoy a change from time to time and learning new tasks and being in new environments, and meeting new people.
Cindy's Feedback
Good! You're showing flexibility which is a quality that interviewers value.
Anonymous Answer
I would say both, I can handle a routine day-to-day schedule for the purpose of learning a task and retaining the information, but over time I do enjoy the excitement of the unknown for the day. Every day is a different day, some may be good others bad, there is no guarantee but as long as you enjoy what you do it can make each day worth not giving up.
Chad's Feedback
Good answer! It sounds like you are flexible and able to adapt accordingly to the demands of the workplace. If possible, include specific examples demonstrating your ability to be successful in both environments.
Anonymous Answer
I am comfortable either way, but I would probably get bored if nothing ever changed. Having a few days to work on a routine day-to-day basis is good but I need to face some challenges sometimes, as I believe challenges will help us grow.
Marcie's Feedback
Great response! It sounds like you're happy working on the same tasks every day but also enjoy some occasional challenges, which the interviewer will appreciate. Do you have any examples you can talk about of times when you excelled in a routine and/or when your routine was disrupted? Personalizing your answer will make it more meaningful to the interviewer. Good job!
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