Interviewing for a new position can be exciting, but it can also come with challenges that make us feel insecure and worry that we’re not fully prepared. This is especially true when we are asked questions such as “What is your work style” – about our preferred approach and style for tackling the main objectives and responsibilities of the role.

This question, although seemingly straightforward and simple, is usually asked to help the interviewer understand more deeply whether your work approach will align well with the open role and the work culture of the organization. With proper preparation, you can craft your response so that it is not only useful, but also reflects what matters most to you and highlights your strengths, priorities, and values. unique.

To understand the best way to approach this question with honesty and confidence, prepare yourself by thinking about your particular style and approach and what “success” looks like for you personally. Think in advance about how you most enjoy working, including the types of collaboration that suit you best and the business outcomes you find most rewarding and compelling to support.

Recall the major achievements and results you have achieved in the past that make you most proud, and identify the exact skills and abilities you possess that helped you generate those results. Think about both individual contributions and your successes through collaborations, and what was made possible through your adaptability, creativity and resilience.

What are the different versions of this question you can expect?

The question “What is your work style?” » can be approached in different ways, each with subtle differences. Here are some common variations you might hear:

“How do you prefer to work?”

This wording offers a more open approach, giving the freedom to describe your ideal work environment and work practices that help you successfully complete your tasks and projects.

“Tell me about your work process.”

Here, the interviewer may wish to explore how you approach executing your projects, and how you make decisions, manage tasks, work with others, and deal with challenges and setbacks.

“What does your day-to-day job look like?

This version focuses on the current flow of your daily tasks and priorities, as well as how you manage deadlines and multitasking. This also affects how you prioritize your current workflow.

“Do you work better independently or in a team?”

This question aims to explore your collaboration strengths and comfort level in working cohesively with others rather than being self-directed and taking initiatives solo and independently.

“How do you handle feedback and communication with your teammates or supervisors? »

With this query, the interviewer probes your communication style, your openness to feedback (both positive and what you may perceive as “negative”) and your relationships with others.

Each version of the question provides an opportunity to highlight your strengths and values. Be prepared to offer concrete examples that demonstrate how you adapt and thrive in different environments and work situations.

What hiring managers are really looking for with this question

When interviewers ask you about your work style, they generally want to assess whether you will be a good fit for this particular role, including how you will fit in with existing managers and leaders, other team members, and team members. values ​​and culture of the organization as a whole. Think about what makes you unique and stand out, what you prioritize as important in your career and roles, and the traits and actions that have helped you progress professionally in the past, and share information that will help investigators assess:

Your Self-awareness and self-control: Do you recognize your strengths and areas for growth? Candidates who confidently recognize and discuss their key skills, achievements and professional values ​​often stand out from the competition.

Adaptability and flexibility: Can you easily adjust your approach based on the needs of the team or project? Being adaptable is especially important in today’s dynamic workplaces.

Collaboration and communication: Effective communicators who respect others, work well with diverse team members, and collaborate openly tend to thrive best in team environments. Interviewers want to understand your interaction style.

Growth mindset: Candidates who demonstrate optimism, resilience and commitment to growth and learning often leads to high performance results.

Key themes to include in your response

Your answers should be honest, clear, and tailored to the specific role and culture of the company you’re interviewing for. Here are some tips for developing a strong response:

Research the company culture

Before the interview, take the time to research the company culture and its standout qualities. Visit their website, read employee ratings and reviews, and explore their social media presence and what managers and employees share online. This will give you clues about their values, their work environment and their pace. If it’s a collaborative and energetic atmosphere, emphasize your teamwork skills. If it’s a more independent and results-oriented environment, highlight your ability to work independently and produce consistent results.

Align your answers with the role requirements

Think about the skills and qualities required for the position. For example, if the position requires cross-departmental collaboration, discuss your strengths in communication and teamwork. If this is a role that requires self-management and independence, highlight your organizational skills, focus and dependability.

Highlight your key attributes

Hiring managers look for certain characteristics in almost every role, such as dependability, strong communication skills, flexibility and openness to feedback. Incorporate these themes that match your unique style into your response. For example: “I am very responsive when working in a team, making sure I communicate openly and receive useful feedback. When working alone and/or remotely, I am very organized and deadline-oriented, but I am also comfortable asking questions when needed, which helps me achieve quality results.

Incorporate Specific Examples

Illustrate your answer with examples of past successes. Talk about a time when your approach to work helped you succeed on a project or contributed to an important goal. For example: “In my last role, I was in charge of a large business integration project spanning numerous teams and departments and a newly acquired company with divisions in multiple countries. This was a critical project with tight deadlines and impacted the responsibilities and results of hundreds of employees. I held weekly meetings with key stakeholders to ensure everyone was aligned, but I also set aside time to delve into my own research and analysis, formulate an effective strategy for the project, and adjust this strategy if necessary. This balance allowed me to complete the integration on time and meet all the key objectives of the management team.

Preparing follow-up questions

The “work style” question is also an invitation to ask additional questions. Remember that your interview is not an “audition.” It’s a two-way street. Consider asking questions that address what you need to understand, including team structure, communication style, work culture, key qualities that successful employees share, and more. This can help you determine if the company is a good fit for your personal values ​​and approach.

Succeed in your interviews with more confidence

Answer thoughtfully the question “What is your work style?” » demonstrates that you have reflected on your professional background, your strengths and talents, and how these have contributed to growth and success in your previous roles. It’s not about whether you’re “good” or “bad” at certain tasks; it’s about alignment with role and culture.

By viewing this question as a way to highlight your unique talents and the important ways you have contributed in the past, you can share the best and highest version of yourself, while listening for cues to help you clearly assess whether this opportunity is the right one. for you, and will allow you to flourish and grow.

Kathy Caprino is a career and leadership coachauthor, trainer and podcaster, support the advancement of women in business.