Open-ended questions like – “What is your work style?” may seem tricky to answer, but can help you nail your job interview if answered correctly.
However, many people struggle to identify their work style because they haven’t considered it before.
If you are among them, this blog is for you. Continue reading it to figure out your work style and answer the question effortlessly.
Different Types of Work Styles
Everyone has a different work style based on personality, behaviour, and thought processes. And, if they are allowed to follow their work style, they become the rising stars of their company, teams, and group.
Here are the main work styles of working individuals:
1. Cooperative
Opposite to independent workers, cooperative employees excel in team settings, enjoying shared responsibility and burgeoning feedback. Being organised, collaborative, and strategic, they possess excellent communication and diplomacy skills, making them perfect for relationship-based roles.
2. Logical
Logical employees are quick problem-solvers thriving in data-oriented positions with their linear thinking. They often prioritise thought processes over communication and planning, concentrating minutely on achieving their goals more efficiently.
3. Independent
Independent workers are like lone wolves. They thrive working solo, often struggling to work in collaboration and supervision. Visionaries, creatives, and entrepreneurs are productive, efficient, and highly disciplined. They prefer to forge their own path.
4. Detail-Oriented
Detailed-oriented employees are organised and strategic and bring stability to teams. They are thoughtful, slow, and methodological in risky situations, excel in research-oriented roles, but often tend to micromanage as team leaders.
5. Visionary
Visionaries are born leaders, driven by the bigger picture, and inspire others towards common goals. Energetic, actionable, and willing to take risks, they turn challenges into new opportunities but may sometimes overlook team opinions and details.
6. Supportive
Supportive employees are emotionally driven, thriving in collaboration and building relationships. They thrive in team settings, bringing harmony and resolving conflicts with their emotional intelligence and active listening skills.
Here’s How to Answer What is Your Work Style? in a Job Interview
When asked, What is Your Work Style? don’t get super-excited if you know your work style or get demotivated if you don’t. The interviewer asks this question to determine whether you are an excellent fit for the company, culture, and role.
So, tailor your answer to “What is Your Work Style?” to match the job you are applying for with the following steps:
1. Do Your Research About the Company and Role
Open-ended questions like this allow you to mould the answer as you wish. This means you can emphasise the aspects of your work style aligning with the job role. Therefore, the first step to prepare for this question is to read and analyse the job description. Ensure that you understand fully what the company is looking for and what requirements you can fulfil. Next, research the company as a whole, including its social media profiles, to understand its vision, goals, and culture.
2. Use Storytelling to Exemplify Your Work Style
When asked, what is your work style?, you may feel swayed to give a hazy and generic answer. However, you can use your storytelling skills to leave a lasting impression on the interviewer. Add some proof to your response. For instance, if you are supportive, explain how you used your emotional intelligence and active listening skills to make a strong team and thriving relationships with clients and cross-functional teams for better outcomes. You can give some examples of your previous work that reflect your work style.
3. Be Honest and Keep it Short
When asked about your work style, be honest and keep it concise. Focus on factors that make you an ideal candidate for the job, such as leadership skills and relevant accomplishments. Avoid saying things you think the interviewer wants to listen to, but say things that align with your work style and qualities. Also, if you are unsure about your answer, you can ask follow-up questions during the interview.
4. Avoid Thinking Too Much
You don’t have to stress or overthink the answer. You don’t have a clear answer, because you haven’t named your work style yet, and that’s fine. You can ask your interviewer for some time and think about what approaches you take to finish your tasks. Recognise how your approach is different from your colleagues’ work approach. Which soft skills do you need the most during your work? Are they relevant to the position you are applying for? All these questions can give you enough valuable insights into your work style and how you can phrase your answer.
Conclusion: Things to Remember for a Fabulous Answer
When preparing ‘What is your work style?’, remember there are certain things you should avoid, including overemphasising personal preferences, being too vague or generic, not providing examples or stories, and ignoring job requirements.
Once you are sure about your work style, you are ready to nail your job interview. And, if you are struggling to get matching job recommendations, Remark Jobs can help you find ample matching recommendations on your preferred domain. Visit us to know more.
