When it comes to project collaboration versus working independently, what is your preference, and why?

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Before your interview, carefully review the job description and company website to gain an understanding of the role. This research will allow you to see if the position requires working individually or primarily in a team-based environment.

When the interviewer asks you a collaboration-related question, share that you are open to working in teams or independently. If you have a strong preference for one environment over the other, be sure to mention your preference while expressing that you will happily work with others.

"My answer depends on the project. I have passion projects that I enjoy, and I like to do these on my own or with an assistant who understands my style and approach. Those passion projects include working with designers and small business owners on displays and storefronts. When I work on with a small business owner, it is a more personal approach, and I like the one-on-one intimacy. When working on larger scale projects such as commercial designs or hotel remodels, I much prefer to work with other talented designers. I learn so much from the expertise of others, and it also disperses the pressure when it comes to decision making or meeting tight deadlines. For me, the best part of being an Interior Designer is is that no day looks the same, and there are so many ways that I can use my gifts and abilities while also growing and learning from others."

Anonymous Answer

"I am very open to both and believe both have benefits. Working in teams increases collaboration and allows for brainstorming. I created some of my favorite designs by bouncing my ideas off with my coworkers, and it also helped me to really visualize what the end design would be. Often in the design field, you're faced with issues that need creative problem-solving. Working with someone more experienced or that has seen the same issue in the past, it gives the opportunity for learning from one another."

Rachelle's Feedback

Excellent! Again, I recommend working on brevity. Try also adding in that you are capable of independent work. I have provided an example below.

"Independent and group work each have their benefits. Working in teams increases collaboration and allows for brainstorming. I created some of my favorite designs by bouncing ideas off my coworkers. This collaboration helped me to visualize what the end design would be. Often in the design field, I am faced with issues that need creative problem-solving. Working with someone more experienced allows me to learn and grow. With that said, I am capable of independent work and self-led learning."

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Anonymous Answer

Rachelle's Feedback

Excellent! Again, I recommend working on brevity. Try also adding in that you are capable of independent work. I have provided an example below.

Anonymous Answer

"I believe project collaboration is always a good way to go about a project. Any given project and process may need the knowledge and expertise of many departments and people with many different skills. When we collaborate with other people, there is always a chance to learn new things and use each individual's ideas and skills to get the best possible results/solutions."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is an excellent answer! It may also be worth adding a sentence at that end that you do understand the need to work independently on projects as part of the role from time to time, and that you are comfortable and can succeed in that setting as well.