How to Answer "Tell Me About a Time You Made an Unorthodox Decision?" in An Interview (With Sample Answers)

by Fang Mei

Published at: January 18, 2024

Navigating interview questions effectively is a valuable skill that can set you apart from other candidates. One common query that often arises is whether you prefer to work independently or on a team.

Your response offers insight into your compatibility with the company's culture and the nature of the job description you're applying for. When formulating your answer, consider reflecting on past work experiences where you excelled in collaborative environments or when you successfully managed projects on your own.

Employers are keen to understand your ability to adapt to varying work styles and how you contribute as an individual as well as part of a team. It's important to strike a balance that aligns with the nuances of the role while being transparent about your personal working preferences.

Why Employers Ask This Question?

When you're asked whether you prefer to work independently or on a team, employers are gauging several aspects of your personality and work style. Your answer reveals much about how you will fit into their work environment. They want to know if you have the initiative to work autonomously or if you're a team player who thrives in collaborative settings.

• Team Player: Do you contribute effectively in a group? Are you able to collaborate with others to achieve a common goal?
• Work Independently: Can you take charge of tasks on your own without needing constant guidance? How's your self-motivation?

Employers are also interested in how your preference aligns with the needs of specific projects and roles within the company. For instance, a project might require a period of solitary research followed by a collaborative implementation phase. Your versatility in adjusting to these demands is critical.

How To Answer This Question?

When crafting your response to whether you prefer to work independently or on a team, it's essential to communicate your personal work style clearly while simultaneously demonstrating your value to a potential employer. Your answer must illustrate your understanding of a team environment and showcase your ability to function well within it, whether working solo or with colleagues.

Expressing Your Preference with Clarity

Your answer should clearly state whether you prefer to work alone or work on a team, avoiding vague or ambiguous language. If you thrive in a team environment, convey that enthusiasm. Conversely, if you excel when working independently, articulate that confidently. For instance, you might say, "I am highly motivated when tackling projects on my own because it allows me to dive deep into complex issues."

Incorporating Relevant Examples

Provide specific examples from your past to substantiate your preference. For example:

• Independently: "In my previous role as a frontend engineer, I successfully redesigned the client onboarding process by working independently, which resulted in a 20% increase in customer satisfaction."
• Teamwork: "While at XYZ Corp, I was part of a sales team that collectively improved our product's time-to-market by 30%."

These examples give concrete evidence of your ability to perform in your preferred style.

Balancing Independence and Teamwork

Employers value candidates who can balance both independent work and teamwork. Explain how you can adapt to both scenarios effectively. You might say, "I find solitude to be beneficial for individual tasks requiring deep concentration, but I also appreciate the diverse perspectives and feedback from a team environment when brainstorming solutions."

Highlighting Adaptability

Demonstrate your adaptability by sharing how you've successfully transitioned between working alone and with colleagues. Communicate your willingness to step outside your comfort zone. You could mention, "I am comfortable both with spearheading projects on my own initiative and contributing as an active member of a team, depending on what the situation demands."

Throughout, maintain a tone that reflects confidence in your capabilities and a clear understanding of how your work style aligns with the employer's needs. Remember, the goal is to provide sample answers that not only respond to the question but also position you as a valuable candidate who is self-aware and motivated to perform well in any given role.

Sample Answers

When you're asked whether you prefer to work independently or on a team, it's important to consider the job description and your personal strengths. Here are three examples of each to guide you:

Good Answers

1. Balanced Approach: "I've found that I can be effective both when working independently and as part of a team. I enjoy the autonomy of managing tasks on my own, which allows me to focus deeply on the work. Yet, I also appreciate the diverse perspectives and skills that come with teamwork, and I understand the value of collaboration in achieving common goals."
2. Aligning with Job Needs: "Based on the responsibilities outlined in the remote job description, it seems that this role requires someone comfortable with both self-direction and collaboration. In my previous positions, I've successfully adapted to both settings. I believe this adaptability will allow me to thrive here."
3. Team Focused: Different minds working together can be advantageous, as I've consistently experienced in my career. While I can work independently when necessary, I excel in a team setting and enjoy contributing to and learning from my colleagues' collective expertise."

Bad Answers

1. Too Vague: "I don't really have a preference. I suppose I can work in any situation." (This doesn't showcase your strengths or adaptability.)
2. Negative Tone: "I prefer working alone because I find working with others to be quite frustrating." (This can be a red flag for employers who value teamwork.)
3. Non-Committed: "I guess I can do either, but I don't really like to collaborate much." (Indecisiveness can signal a lack of self-awareness or flexibility.)

Conclusion

Remember, it's not just about your preference but also about showing your flexibility and willingness to adapt to the needs of the employer. Your response should convey confidence and demonstrate a clear understanding of the remote job you're applying for. Show them that you're willing to step outside of your comfort zone and take on challenges, irrespective of the working style they entail.

When crafting your answer, be sincere and consider the role you're applying for. Your response should illustrate your capability to adapt to the company's requirements while also being true to your working style.

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