3 Common Work Style Interview QuestionsAnd How to Answer Them

3 Common Work Style Interview Questionsâ€"And How to Answer Them 3 Common Work Style Interview Questions- And How to Answer Them Because each organization has its own special culture and way of doing things, hiring managers often ask questions directly aimed at figuring out a candidate’s work style. A good fit increases the odds of bringing aboard someone who will be comfortable with the expectations for the job and the environment in which it is performed. Smart applicants think about work style questions prior to an interview in order to present effective, thoughtful answers. While there isn’t a right or wrong work style, feigning a match can lead to disappointment. “Candidates should always be truthful or they may regret it,” says Linda Matias, president of CareerStrides.com. “For example, a candidate who prefers to work alone will tear his hair out if the majority of his workday requires him to work  on a team. An answer may not mesh with an interviewers expectations, and thats okay. The end game isnt to get  any  job offer. Its to get one where the candidate will succeed professionally and culturally.” Ready to showcase your work style? Prepare responses to these three commonly asked questions: 1. Can you work without supervision? An employer asking this may be hinting that the position requires a self-motivated individual capable of producing with minimal hand-holding. Lavie Margolin, author of Mastering the Job Interview, suggests a sample answer such as: “I can work under any management style, including without supervision. Once it is clear what my objectives are and how the company wants me to execute those objectives, I can do the job. In my last position, the supervisor had responsibilities that pulled him in many different directions, and he had little time to oversee my work. As I understood what was expected of me, I was able to work without a problem.” 2. Would you rather work on a team or alone? Some roles require substantial interaction with colleagues, while others involve more independent projects. A person in a position that aligns with his personal preference is likely to be happier and more productive. That isn’t to say that someone needs to be exclusively on one side. As this Work It Daily article notes, “If you know you’ll be working alone most of the time, you can say, ‘I prefer working alone, but I think that working with a team on occasion is nice, because it boosts my creativity.’ If you’ll be mostly working with a team, say, ‘I like working in a group setting, but sometimes it’s nice to have sole responsibility for a project.’ Keep in mind the primary working conditions for that job, while remembering that sometimes you will be required to step outside of your comfort zone.” 3. Who was your worst boss? Conflict with management is a common occurrence. The interviewer wants to understand your style of dealing with such situations. Saying that you’ve never had a difficulty can be a bit unbelievable. Instead, focus on your ability to handle conflict and arrive at a positive outcome. Consider offering a real-life example, such as this one formulated by Margolin:  â€œWell, I wouldnt say that any boss was the ‘worst,’ as it’s natural for a manager and subordinate to have conflicts at times. But there was one who I thought would be my worst boss when we got off on the wrong foot. After about two years at my first job, I was assigned to report to a new manager. His management style was very different from my first manager’s, and it took some time to adjust. One manager was very hands on while the other was hands off, and each had different preferences for communicating and reporting information. After a few miscommunications with the new manager, I asked for a meeting to clear the air and go over his expectations and preferences. It was very helpful, and we actually ended up working very well together after that.” Looking for more interview help? Check out these articles on weird questions companies ask and how to answer questions about weaknesses.