What Type of Work Environment Do You Prefer? (Step By Step Guide)

Preparing for an interview can be nerve-wracking. 

There’s no guessing how it’ll go when you’re seated opposite people that’ll evaluate if you’re an excellent fit for their team. Depending on what position you’re applying for, you’ll most likely have to dress formally. At the very least, you can wear smart casual.

It’s all about the questions…

While the attire is the easy part, answering the questions can be tricky. Some questions are obvious, and you’ve probably mastered how to answer them perfectly. However, there’s a question that you must think about carefully before answering – “What type of work environment do you prefer?” This is asked in interviews to see if you’re compatible with other colleagues. 

So, here’s everything you need to know so that you can answer the question in the best possible way. Let’s jump right in!

Read more: How to Refer Someone for a Job

What To Consider Before Answering This Question

Your answer is influenced by the location and type of business operated where you’re applying. There are a few pointers to go over before deciding how to answer. You have to consider the company’s physical location, the supervisor and your potential coworkers, work hours, and workload.

One way or the other, your answer should market you. It should show that you’re a cooperative team member, communicates well, and adds value to the company. Here are some good and not-so-good ways to respond based on what you think the company values are. 

How To Answer If You’re Focusing On Your Colleagues?

Before you go for your interview, make sure to review what the company’s values are. Perhaps the position applied for requires interacting with others more. Your answer to the question “What type of work environment do you prefer?” can focus on this. 

Good Answer

“My ideal work environment is one where there’s open communication between colleagues. People should be able to have a sense of humor when there’s an easy flow of work. At the same time, we should support and advise each other when there’s a project or task on the table.”

This is a simple but straightforward answer that reflects on how you work with others. Desiring a supportive team shows that you value cooperation when working with others. Being open to advice reflects on your ability to learn new things, especially if you’re doing an independent project.

There is no “I” in team…

Incorporate the term “we” to show that you’re able to work in a team. If you want to work well with your colleagues, read Fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace. The book focuses on showing the value and benefits of inclusion.

Bad Answer

“I want a workplace where people have mutual respect. Managers and supervisors can also praise their teams, and people aren’t blamed for any conflict that may take place.”

This answer doesn’t sit well with your interviewers because the desired environment also comes off as more of a demand. It also shows that you’re expecting a work environment to be perfect. This answer permits colleagues’ mistakes to be dismissed. 

How To Answer If You’re Focusing On Your Workload And Work Hours

Many companies claim to be fast-paced because it shows that they make profit and progress. It also gives the impression that its employees work hard and effectively. If the position you’re applying for requires showing effective results, or somewhat emphasizes work hours, here’s how you can answer…

Good Answer

“An adaptive work environment would be great. There may be projects that require more of our time as a team. When this happens, being part of a team that can handle fast-paced work would be ideal. A team that can take on challenges and finds solutions sounds like a good fit. When there are fewer projects to handle, we can still adapt to that while brainstorming for future projects.”

Overworking leads to exhaustion…

This response shows that when there are major tasks, you can adapt to the demanding work hours. Also, mentioning the need to slow down makes it respectfully clear that continuously overworking isn’t ideal. You’re also capable of reacting well to changes that take place in the work environment. 

If you’re going to make an impression on your interviewers, go all out with a Scriveiner black lacquer rollerball pen. You can place it on your jacket or stylishly place it together with your notebook.

Bad Answer

“I wouldn’t want to work overtime unless the compensation is really worth it. It would also be great if my colleagues would remain cheerful throughout their shift. Sulking for long hours won’t help. Supervisors shouldn’t cause us stress when no major projects are going on.”

Avoid implying what your supervisors should and shouldn’t do. This response reflects negatively on you as a candidate because there’s an emphasis on how you won’t do overtime depending on the compensation. You might want to avoid this point altogether unless it’s directly brought up by your interviewers. 

How To Answer If You’re Focusing On Productivity And Results

Businesses want to make a profit. That’s the main goal, and you can choose to reflect on this in your answer. So, here’s how you can do that…

Good Answer

” Ideally, I would like to be part of a productive team. I enjoy working with goal-oriented people that are open to innovative ideas. I would like to learn from my colleagues, and vice-versa so that there’s a flow of ideas in our workspace.”

Thinking outside the box…

This is a good response if you’re planning on working for a corporation that’s highly driven by a need for positive results. It shows that you’re open to thinking outside the box to get the job done. Not only that, but you’re aware of how you need your colleagues to create a dream team. 

You should be able to win over the interviewers this way. On top of giving a good response to this question, complete your look with a Timex unisex weekender watch. It’s water-resistant and has an adjustable nylon slip-through strap.

Bad Answer

“I want to be part of a team that works hard, but if it’s okay, there won’t be any competition between us. Everyone can pitch in their ideas and can get along well.”

Avoid mentioning competing with your colleagues in any way, even if it comes off as a positive remark. While getting along in a work environment is necessary, disagreements and fallouts are inevitable. If you decide to touch on this topic, it’s better to approach it from a different angle. 

Let’s say one that shows how you’re a problem solver during workplace conflict. 

Be Fully Prepared For Your Interview!

That is just one of the daunting interview questions you’ll come across, so take a look at our online finds, such as the Knock ’em Dead Job Interview: How to Turn Job Interviews Into Job Offers, how to answer High-Impact Interview Questions, The Key to Landing A Job – The Interview, and the Fire Interview: The Storyteller Method, available online in 2021.

Furthermore, we also found the How to Answer Interview Questions, or even the Master The Interviewing Process – Questions To Ask The Interviewer, as well as Ask Me This Instead: Flip the Interview to Land Your Dream Job, for your important questions and how to interview in 60 Seconds and You’re Hired!.

Lastly, for the inside track, I highly recommend the Key to Landing A Job – Interview Secrets Employers and Headhunters Don’t Want You to Know and Get That Job!: The Quick and Complete Guide to a Winning Interview and The Job Interview Problem Solver: 10 Sneaky Questions Interviewers Ask to Determine if You Are a Good Culture Fit, also available online today.

What Type Of Work Environment Do You Prefer? – Final Thoughts

Companies ask this question to see if you would fit in well with their team. It also shows how adaptable you are to a new environment. You never know; perhaps your answer might help the corporation improve its work culture too.

Before your interview, make sure to research the company’s values and mission. This way, you can figure out what type of work environment you could be joining. It will certainly help you practice answering relatable interview questions. Make sure to respond based on what the company already values.

 Justify your reasoning intelligently, showing that you believe in that work environment description. 

Keep this in mind, and you’ll be just fine!