When applying for a job, it’s not just your skills that matter—your work style and personality are just as important. How you approach your work can determine how well you fit in with the team and the company culture. Even if you’re great at what you do, clashing with how the company operates can lead to challenges down the road.
Employers ask about your work style to see if you’d be a good match for the company. Let’s break down what they’re looking for and how you can answer this question in a way that shows you’re a great fit.
Why do interviewers ask about your work style?
When they ask this question, interviewers want to know what working with you will be like. Do you work fast or take a more detailed, slower approach? Do you prefer working on your own, or do you thrive in a team setting?
These details help them decide if you’ll mesh well with the company’s culture. For example, if you prefer working independently but the company is all about collaboration, it might be a tough adjustment for you. And if the job doesn’t fit your work style, it could lead to frustration on both sides.
Hiring the right person for both the job and the company culture helps businesses avoid turnover and keeps employees happy.
What hiring managers look for in your answer
Hiring managers care about a few key things when it comes to work style:
- Communication: Do you like to share updates often, or only when necessary? Do you prefer talking in person, via email, or on the phone?
- Teamwork vs. working solo: Do you like working on your own, or do you get your best work done when you’re collaborating?
- Work environment: Do you need a quiet, private space to work, or are you more productive in a busy, open environment?
- Management style: How often do you want feedback? Do you prefer a hands-off manager, or do you like more direction?
- Daily routine: How do you manage your time? Do you like to plan your day or take things as they come?
- Work pace: Do you like to get things done quickly, or do you take a slower, more thorough approach?
Pick a couple of these areas that matter most to you and focus on those in your answer.
How to answer “Describe your work style”
Know what you need
An interview is a two-way street: you’re also figuring out if the job is right for you. Think about what you really need in a work environment to be happy and productive. Focus on those in your answer. You won’t find a job that fits every single one of your preferences, but it’s important to align on the most important ones.
Be honest
It’s tempting to say what you think the interviewer wants to hear, but being honest will help you find a job where you can thrive. If you can’t stand being micromanaged, don’t say you’re okay with it just to get the job.
Tailor your answer to the company
You can adjust your answer to fit the company’s values or work culture. For example, if you see on the company’s website that they value teamwork, mention that you enjoy working on team projects. Or if the company has flexible workspaces, talk about how that matches your preference for moving around while you work.
To find out about the company’s values, you’ll need to do some research ahead of time. The ‘about us’ page of an organization’s website and its social media channels are good places to look. Tailor your answer based on what you find out.
How not to answer
- Be vague: Saying something like, “I’m flexible with my work style” doesn’t help the interviewer figure out if you’re a good fit. Be specific about your preferences.
- Be too rigid: Don’t make demands that might make you seem difficult, like “I won’t attend meetings on Mondays.”
- Be dishonest: Don’t say what you think they want to hear. If you get hired based on a work style you don’t actually have, it’ll cause problems later.
Sample answers to “Describe your work style”
Example #1
“I like to have a few different projects going at once so I can switch between them. It keeps things fresh and helps me stay focused. When I work on one thing for too long, I feel like I lose momentum. Splitting up my time lets me get more done while keeping my energy up.”
Example #2
“I do my best work when I’m collaborating with others. I find that brainstorming with a team leads to better ideas than working solo. I also like checking in with my team often so we can make sure we’re all on the same page and avoid any miscommunication.”
In both examples, we’ve included how the company benefits from the work style, like getting more done or avoiding errors, which is what you should aim to do in your answer.
By being clear about your work style, focusing on areas where you and the company align, and showing how this benefits the business, you’ll show the hiring manager that you’re not just capable of doing the job, but also a great fit for their team.