How to Answer “What is your Work Style” in 2023

by Hiration

Some interview questions are clear and straightforward, while others require more interpretation. For example, "What is your work style?" can be a difficult question to answer.

This belongs to the same family of interview questions as “What kind of work environment do you prefer?” and “What is your management style?”. There is no one "right" answer to this question - it depends on what you mean by "work environment" and "management style." Some people prefer a hands-on, direct style of management, while others prefer a more relaxed, low-stress environment. It’s not about a definitive answer, it's just what works best for you.

This open-ended question allows you to express what makes you a great candidate. But you need to know a few things to take advantage of this question. Read on to get an insight into how to answer what is your work style and the steps involved.

What Are 5 Working Styles?


There are various types of work style, and they differ from individual to individual depending on their personalities, skills, and preferences. Here are the 5 common working styles:

Collaborative


A collaborative working style is beneficial for roles that require teamwork, such as marketing or customer service. It calls for close coordination and relies on the cooperation of team members to achieve common goals.

Independent


An independent working style gives you the freedom to work on what you think is important and make the most out of it, and it allows you to take responsibility for your own projects. This approach is admissible in roles that require a high level of autonomy, such as writing or research.

Flexible


If you say that you have a flexible working style, it will mean that you can adapt and adjust to changing circumstances and priorities. This style is highly necessary for roles that require multitasking or involves multiple verticals, such as project management or administration.

Organized


If your work ethic meaning includes discipline and being detail-oriented, you have an organized working style. A role with high levels of accuracy and precision will call for that, such as data analysis or accounting.

Creative


This working style holds the same kind of freedom as the independent working style, and it involves thinking outside the box and being open to new ideas. Roles that are innovation-centric and require problem-solving skills need this approach, such as designing or marketing

Also read: What is the definition of work ethic?

How to Answer 'What Is Your Work Style' Interview Question?


To answer the question “What is your work style?”, you must emphasize your strengths in accordance with your job description and the company culture. Here are some suggestions to answer this question:

  • Go through the job post and company website:
    Run thorough research before your interview to map out the core values of the company so that you know exactly what skills and qualities are significant for this role.

  • Jot down your strengths:
    Think about how your strengths align with the requirements of the job and the company's culture. For instance, if you are a core team player, you can state that you enjoy coordinating with others to reach common goals.

  • Provide specific examples:
    Specific examples from your past work experience will help demonstrate your work style. You could say, "In my previous stint, I led a team project where we had to meet a strict deadline. I organized and delegated tasks to my team members and we were able to complete the project on time."

  • Portray flexibility:
    It's crucial to show that you are adaptable and can adjust to different environments. You could mention that you are able to adjust your work style to fit the needs of the organization or the project.

  • Keep a positive approach:
    Emphasize the positive aspects of your work style and avoid speaking negatively about yourself or your previous employer and experience.

Also read: How to highlight teamwork on resume?

How to Answer 'What Is Your Work Style' For Different Professions?


Your response to the question "What is your work style?" will depend on the position's particulars and the employer's culture. Here are some examples of how you might respond to this query for various professions:

  • For a Customer Service Position:
    "I am a people person who enjoys assisting others. In my previous stint, I went above and beyond to provide excellent customer service and resolve customer problems. I am an attentive listener who can modify my communication style to meet the customer's needs. I am also a team player who enjoys collaborating with others to provide our customers with the best service possible."

  • For a Sales Position:
    "I am a self-motivated, goal-oriented individual. In my previous position, I consistently outperformed my sales targets. I enjoy establishing relationships with customers and coming up with creative solutions to their problems. I am an excellent communicator who can present products and services in a clear and compelling manner. I am also a quick learner who is constantly looking for new ways to improve and grow as a salesperson."

  • For a Design Position:
    "I am a creative and detail-oriented individual. In my previous position, I created a website that received heavy traffic in its first year. I enjoy brainstorming and developing new ideas, and I can create designs that are not just aesthetically pleasing but functional. I am a thorough problem solver who can think outside the box to find solutions to design challenges. I am also a good team player who enjoys working with others to bring ideas to life."

  • For a Management Position:
    "I am a strategic and organized person. In my previous position, I led a team of 10 people to meet our quarterly targets. I enjoy setting objectives and devising strategies to achieve them. I am an effective communicator who can provide clear direction and support to my team. I am also a strong leader who motivates and inspires others to do their best. I am an attentive listener who welcomes feedback and suggestions from my team."

Hiration pro tip:
We may infer from the examples above that telling a story is one of the simplest methods to stand out. The best thing you could do in your interview is to provide a specific instance when you took on a project, found out how to approach it, and attempted to overcome challenges on your own.

Why Do Interviewers Ask 'What Is Your Work Style' Question?


The question "What is your work style?" is asked by interviewers to comprehend your work style and how you will blend into the team and culture of the firm. They want to know if your working style fits the demands of the position and the values and objectives of the business.

The interviewer is trying to get an idea about these 3 aspects:

  • How do you operate independently and with others?
  • How do you deal with obstacles and deadlines?
  • How do you communicate and work with others by asking you this question?

The way you respond to this question can reveal to the interviewer whether you are a good match for the position and the organization. Additionally, it can help them understand your areas of strength and development as well as how you can help the team and the business succeed.

Also read: How to Answer "Why do you want to work here?"

Key Takeaways


  • There are 5 working styles commonly known to be in use: Flexible, Collaborative, Independent, Creative, and Organized
  • Find alignment between the job requirements and what’s important to you when answering the question "What is your work style?".
  • Use specific examples from your past experience to illustrate your work style.
  • One of the easiest ways to be memorable to an interviewer is by telling a story.
  • Avoid badmouthing a past employer or past work experience

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