Team Player vs. Independent Worker:
Best Job Interview Answers
Do you work best independently or are you a team player? This is just one of many potential job interview questions that routinely trip up even the best candidates. If you have not yet been asked this question, hold your breath because it may be coming in the near future! You probably know whether you work better on your own or in a group, but what should come out of your mouth in the interview? It may not always be the first thing that comes to your mind when on the spot.
Industry Matters
The first thing you have to consider is what industry you are targeting and the exact position you are trying to land in this given interview. Think about what you know of the position and whether it will require you to work more on your own or as a direct member of a larger group.
Your answer should always present yourself as someone who can work independently or as a team player, but you can slant the answer to place an emphasis on one or the other depending on the job in question. For instance, if you are applying for a job that will require you to work in a large department coordinating with others you do not want to come out and say that you prefer to work independently.
Wording Matters
The way you word the answer to this question matters just as much as what you mean to say. No part of your answer should reflect an inability or lack of desire to work independently or as a group. You want to leave the option open on both sides, showing that you are capable of working with others but feel very confident on your own as well.
Consider two possible answers to the question:
1. “All of my previous positions allowed me to work independently, according to my own schedule and with my own methods. I really enjoy that and hope to continue working on my own. Of course, I am open to group work as well, as long as I can work independently a lot of the time.”
2. “While a lot of my previous experience has been in positions with rather solitary work, I look forward to working more with others. I enjoy being a part of a team and sharing ideas with others, yet I am completely confident of my ability to work independently as needed.”
If two candidates were competing for a job and it came down to this one answer, who would get the job? In most cases it would be the person who gave the second answer. Both answers deliver similar information, but the second answer makes it clear that the candidate is comfortable and able to work with groups as a team player despite the history of working independently.
Untwisting Your Tongue
Questions like these are not asked just to trip you up or see how you handle yourself under pressure. Many job candidates believe that, but in most cases it is not true. This question is asked because the hiring manager wants to ensure you are a proper fit to the position they need to fill. They want to know what type of worker you are and in what environment you may feel most confident. Give an accurate representation of yourself, but make sure you are speaking clearly and confidently with words that mean exactly what you want them to mean. If your answer doesn’t make sense the hiring manager does not get the information they need.
