Hiring managers want to make sure you’ll vibe well with their team, so they’ll often ask questions to see if you’d be a good match for their company’s culture.
You might hear the question asked like this:
- What kind of personality do you work best with?
- Describe your ideal coworker or team.
- What kind of people do you enjoy working with?
But don’t worry, we’ve got a simple formula to help you nail your answer and show the hiring manager why you’re a perfect fit for their team!
Why interviewers ask about the personalities you work best with
When interviewers ask what personalities you work best with, they’re not just curious about your preferences—they want to see if your personality will fit with their team. It’s about culture fit, which includes your communication style, work habits, values, and how you interact with others. All of these can influence how successful you’ll be in a new job.
They also want to know how flexible you are. Can you work well with different types of people, or are you only comfortable with specific personalities? Adaptability and being easy to work with are traits interviewers love. Showing that you can collaborate and fit into a team is key, especially if you’re applying for a leadership position.
Interviewers will also be listening for qualities like communication, teamwork, and work style. If your answer highlights those traits and matches the company’s existing team dynamics, you’ll be one step closer to landing the job.
How to answer “What kind of personality do you work best with and why?”
Emphasize that you’re versatile
Start your answer by highlighting that you work well with a variety of personalities. You could say something like, “I’ve worked with many different kinds of people and have found that I can adapt to different work styles and personalities.” This shows you’re flexible, professional, and unlikely to stir up workplace drama. It also positions you as someone who values collaboration, which most companies appreciate. Employers want to know that you’ll get along with the team, whether they’re laid-back or more structured.
Name attributes that the company would value
To make your answer stand out, mention specific traits that match the company’s culture. For example, if you’re applying to a fast-paced startup, you might emphasize that you enjoy working with energetic, creative, and ambitious people. For a more traditional corporate role, you might focus on working well with organized, focused, and detail-oriented teammates.
Research is key here—look at the company’s mission statement or check out their social media. If they talk a lot about teamwork or positivity, be sure to highlight similar qualities. For example: “I really value working with people who are positive and collaborative. I’ve noticed that your team emphasizes communication and teamwork, and I thrive in that type of environment.”
Some traits you might mention include:
- Enthusiastic: “I love working with people who bring energy to the team. It motivates me to stay engaged and push myself.”
- Organized: “When my coworkers are organized, it helps everyone stay on track and meet deadlines. I find that it makes the workday run smoothly.”
- Empathetic: “I work best with people who are empathetic because it creates a supportive atmosphere where everyone feels heard and understood.”
Give concrete reasons why those traits are worthwhile
Wrap up your answer by explaining why these traits are important to you and how they align with your own strengths. This is your chance to link the traits you’ve mentioned back to your own skills. For example: “I work best with positive and collaborative personalities because I’m someone who enjoys solving problems as a team. When everyone’s working together and staying upbeat, it makes projects run more smoothly, and it brings out my best work. I’m a great communicator, so I find that I thrive in environments where people are open and willing to share ideas.”
By explaining why these qualities matter, you’ll show the interviewer that you understand how to build strong working relationships while subtly highlighting your own skills.
How not to answer
Don’t just say you get along with everyone
It might seem like a safe answer, but saying, “I get along with everyone” is too vague and doesn’t give the interviewer much insight into your work style. While it’s great that you’re easy to get along with, this question is also about you and how your personality fits with the company. Missing the chance to describe specific traits means you’re not showing how well you’d blend into their team. Instead of going generic, pick a few traits that reflect both your values and the company’s culture. For example, “I enjoy working with positive, collaborative people who communicate well.”
Don’t box yourself in
Avoid giving answers that are too narrow or inflexible. Saying things like “I can only work with people who are super organized” or “I prefer when all communication is done over email” can make you seem hard to work with. Most workplaces need flexibility and adaptability, so setting strict conditions could turn off interviewers. Instead, show you can roll with different personalities and work styles. For example, you might say, “I appreciate clear communication, but I’m comfortable adapting to different styles depending on what works best for the team.”
Sample answers to “What kind of personality do you work best with and why?”
Example #1
“I’m open to working with all kinds of personalities because I believe diverse perspectives lead to stronger results. That said, I work best with people who enjoy collaborating and are open to feedback. I’m a team player who’s comfortable with sharing ideas and working together to find the best solutions. I’ve found that a bit of give-and-take makes for the most productive teamwork.”
Why it works: This answer shows that you’re adaptable and value collaboration, which are important traits for any team. You highlight your flexibility and willingness to work with different ideas, which makes you sound cooperative and easy to work with—qualities that employers value.
Example #2
“I’m naturally empathetic, and I work best with people who also value kindness and understanding. I believe that when coworkers try to see things from each other’s point of view, it helps prevent misunderstandings and makes problem-solving easier. In my experience, this kind of teamwork helps everyone stay focused on shared goals and leads to smoother projects.”
Why it works: This response emphasizes emotional intelligence, which is important in any workplace. By mentioning empathy, you’re showing that you can navigate conflicts and build positive relationships, which is particularly appealing for teams that prioritize communication and collaboration.
Example #3
“I enjoy working with people who are positive and driven. I’m still early in my career, so I find it helpful to be around teammates who are motivated and willing to share their knowledge. I also do my best work in environments where people are open to learning from each other and tackling challenges as a team.”
Why it works: This answer highlights enthusiasm for learning and growth, which is essential for young professionals. You show that you’re eager to contribute while also being open to gaining experience from others. It positions you as someone who’s collaborative and eager to improve, traits that are highly valued in entry-level roles.
By tailoring your answer to the type of people who are likely to work well in this company’s environment, you’ll convince the hiring manager you’re a strong choice and someone who will have no problem clicking with the team.