Job interviews often include a question like, “Do you like working by yourself or with a team?” This question helps employers understand your work style, how well you collaborate with others, and if you can adapt to different work environments. For neurodivergent individuals, it’s important to know how to respond to this question effectively, showcasing your strengths and finding the right fit. In this blog, we’ll explain why employers ask this question, give you step-by-step tips to prepare for it, and provide an example answer tailored to neurodivergent individuals.

Why do employers ask this question?

Employers want to know if you prefer working alone or with a team because it helps them understand your work style and how well you can collaborate. They also want to see if you can adapt to different work situations and if you can contribute effectively to their organization. Both independent work and teamwork are important for achieving company goals, so they want to know how well you can balance both.

Preparing for the interview question:

Step 1: Think about past experiences.

Consider your previous jobs or school 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 is needed. This will help you tailor your answer to fit the specific needs of the position.

Step 3: Analyse your working style.

Take some time to think about your own work style and what you prefer. Do you like working alone, where you can focus deeply on tasks and work independently? Or do you thrive in team settings, where you enjoy sharing ideas and working with others? Identify the strengths you have in each scenario.

If helpful, you can download our working styles guide here.

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. Highlight your strengths in both areas and give examples of successful experiences in each context. Talk about the importance of good communication, listening to others, and respecting different opinions when working with a team. Also, showcase your ability to work independently and produce high-quality work on your own.

Example answer:

“I appreciate both independent work and collaborating with a team. When I work independently, I can focus deeply on tasks, analyse information thoroughly, and produce high-quality results. For example, in a recent project, I had to do extensive research and create a detailed report. Working on my own allowed me to really dive into the subject and present well-rounded findings. On the other hand, I also see the value of teamwork. When I work with others, we bring different perspectives to the table, which sparks creativity and helps us achieve our goals efficiently. In a previous role, I was part of a team that successfully completed a complex project by leveraging each team member’s unique skills and collaborating effectively. I believe finding the right balance between working independently and working as a team is important for being productive and achieving great results.”

By following these steps and practising your answers, you’ll be ready to handle questions about working independently or with a team in your job interviews. Remember to be honest, highlight your strengths, and show that you can adapt to different work situations. Good luck!

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Read our How to Answer the ‘How Do You Work Under Pressure?’ Job Interview Question advice here.