Job interviews often include a question like, “Do you prefer to work independently or as part of a team?” This question helps employers understand your work style, how well you collaborate with others, and whether you can adapt to different work environments. For neurodivergent candidates, it’s worth knowing how to answer this question well, so you can show your strengths and find a role that fits. Below, we cover why employers ask it, how to prepare, and what a good answer might sound like.
Why do employers ask this question?
Employers want to know whether you prefer working alone or with a team because it helps them understand your work style and how well you collaborate. They also want to know you can adapt. Most jobs need a bit of both, so they are listening for how you balance the two.
How to prepare for the question
Step 1: Think about past experiences
Consider previous jobs, volunteering or study projects where you’ve worked alone and with others. Think about the tasks you enjoyed most in each situation and the results you achieved. This will help you understand your preferences and strengths.
Step 2: Understand the job requirements
Read the job description and find out what the expectations are for teamwork and independent work. Think about the nature of the job and how much collaboration it needs. Then you can pitch your answer to fit the role.
Step 3: Analyse your working style
Take some time to think about your own work style and what you prefer. Some people do their best work alone, where they can focus properly. Others get energy from bouncing ideas around a team. Most of us are somewhere in between. Identify the strengths you have in each scenario.
If it helps, you can download our free working styles guide to put your preferences into words.
Step 4: Create a balanced response
When you answer the question, show that you can adapt and find a balance between working alone and working with a team. Have an example ready of each one going well. The STAR interview method is a useful way to structure those examples. For teamwork, mention how you communicate and listen. For working alone, show that you can produce good work without much supervision.
Example answer
“I like both, and I’m probably at my best when a role has a mix. Working on my own lets me focus properly and get into the detail. On a recent project I had to research a topic and write a detailed report, and having uninterrupted time meant the findings were thorough. I also enjoy working with other people, because they spot things I miss. In a previous role I was part of a small team on a complex project, and we split the work by what each of us was best at, which is a big part of why it went well. So I’m comfortable either way, and I like having time for both.”
Final tips
Practise your answer out loud a few times and you’ll be ready for questions about working independently or with a team. Be honest, and make sure your answer shows you can adapt. The National Careers Service also has general interview tips that are worth a read.
If interviews make you nervous, our guide on how to reduce interview anxiety has practical ideas. You can also ask for adjustments to the interview itself using our reasonable adjustment request template for interviews, and in the UK, Access to Work can help pay for communication support at a job interview. Good luck!
More interview question guides
We have more guides like this one, including how to answer the “How do you work under pressure?” interview question and how to talk about your strengths and weaknesses.
Download the Interview Question Practice Resource (PDF)
How Enna can help
When you’re ready to apply, browse roles with neuroinclusive employers on the Enna jobs board, and register for job alerts so new opportunities come straight to you. If you want your application to stand out before the interview stage, read our guide to tailoring your CV.
Hiring managers, a quick note: neurodivergent people often do their best work when a team has agreed how it collaborates. Our neuroinclusive collaboration workshop helps teams get there, or book a call to talk through your hiring process.
