How you describe your work style is important during an interview, and it is important you get it right. Read on to find out all you need.
When a hiring manager asks you questions in an interview about your work style, what they are asking is how well it would fit in with the culture of the company and the job itself. While it may appear that the employer is trying to determine if you are a hard worker or not, it is trying to decide if you are a team player.
If not, are you willing to adapt and participate in collaborative initiatives as the job requires? They are also using this information to determine how well you value the relationship between the employee and the employer. Any response you give should be carefully thought out to show your abilities to work independently and with others.
Also Check: The best answer to the Interview Question "What Is Your Work Style?"
Having to describe your work style in a job interview can be a stressful experience. Your recruiter wants to know how you will fit into the job and the organization; Obviously, your answer can make or break your chances of getting hired. This question also reveals your level of self-awareness and ability to communicate your selling points. Keep in mind that this question is not about your experiences in your last job, but about your skills, what you know about yourself and what you know about the industry and the position you are applying for, all your previous work.
What is the work style?
The style of work, or the way we think, structure, organize, and complete our work, is the foundation on which companies operate, grow and prosper today.
If everyone in your organization had a very linear, analytical, and planned approach to completing projects and didn’t value the disruption of new ideas, your company’s next big, fresh, and bold idea isn’t even a possibility. And if everyone in your organization had an intuitive, strategic, and very comprehensive approach to completing projects and was upset with the structure of project plans, you may often find yourself over budget and behind schedule. Neither situation supports sustained business growth over time.
How to describe your work style
When describing your work style, keep your answer focused on the job you are applying for. Avoid cliches like “I’m a hard worker” or “I’m a perfectionist” because these are things that anyone can say about themselves. Here are some aspects of your work style that you should focus on.
Accuracy and speed
If you can work quickly and efficiently without compromising the quality of the work, be sure to include this in your answer. This will make you attractive if the job requires meeting tight deadlines. Talk about the strategies you employ to avoid mistakes: Recruiters want people who have their system of checks and balances when they work.
Read Also: Describe what you are looking for in your next job: Best Response Ever
Organization
Talk about how you organize your days. Do you have a structure or flow for your tasks? Do you start the day with something challenging? Do you like multitasking? If so, does it affect your performance and production quality? You can also mention the number of hours you are willing to work and if it is someone who regularly stays late to complete tasks.
Team dynamics and individual work
Your ability to integrate with existing staff is something the interviewer will want to know early on. Talk about your experiences of teamwork, the kinds of roles you took on, and the things you did to support your teammates. You can also talk about how you work alone, in particular your workflow and QA settings.
Relationship with the boss
Another important aspect that the interviewer will want to know is your ability to follow the boss’s instructions. Do you prefer to be micromanaged and take constant direction, or do you prefer a more hands-off management style and being alone with your own devices?
Read Also: Management Trainee Programme at BU Power Limited
Keep it honest
The important thing is to be honest with your recruiter. As tempting as it may be to embellish a few details about your experience and skills, doing so can backfire, later on, not to mention that many staffing services companies will recognize a lie when they hear one.
They want more? Read our blog on the 10 most classic interview questions and tips on how to answer them.
For more job search and job interview tips, talk to the experts at Star Staffing! Visit our contact page to get in touch with one of our job search agents.
Points to emphasize
In answering the question of how you describe your work style, your ability to articulate your work style takes center stage.
Be sure to let the interviewer know if you like to work alone or in a team.
Let the hiring manager know how you respond to comments and criticism.
Emphasize any collaborative and independent work skills you have that pertain to the position you are applying for.
Any skills and abilities you have should be expressed simply.
Highlight any skills that are relevant to the question that portrays you as the best candidate for the position.
Mistakes to Avoid
How well you explain your collaborative and independent skills demonstrates your ability to think and communicate about yourself. To avoid answering this question incorrectly, prepare before the interview. Avoid saying things like:
I prefer to work alone.
I am a great worker with good communication skills.
I do my best to meet and exceed all work goals.
While I don’t prefer to work with others, I can and will do so when needed.
Hiring staff want to see creativity, self-expression, and honesty in their responses. Don’t underestimate or exaggerate your abilities. Be honest, thoughtful, and be prepared to describe your work style in a smart way to show how well it would fit in with the job and work environment.
Sample answer
How would you describe your work style?
An excellent answer to a difficult work style question, ‘how would you describe your work style?’ is:
I can adapt to any workplace. I try to maintain a fast pace during my work shift to stay focused while doing my tasks.
I strive to be efficient and strive to ensure that all work is completed correctly and without errors.
I work well on my own but am more than happy to work with others for collaborations or team projects. I take my position seriously and am completely dedicated and motivated to succeed.
