How to Answer: What type of work environment do you prefer?

How to answer “What type of work environment do you prefer?” interview question. What would be your best answer? Check out our answer here and see if it’s good enough for you.

I can be flexible when it comes to my work environment. What is the environment in the Engineering department here at RRS, Inc? (Once they’ve described the work environment, include key phrases they’ve used when you describe your preferred work environment).

With a good amount of research into the company you want to work for, added with a dash of honesty, this question will not cause you any problems.

If you take time and prepare yourself for the interview thoroughly, you will have a fair idea of the work ethos of the company and have a strong idea of what will be expected of you. You should also have a good idea of the type of environment you can expect to work in because of the job you have applied for. Therefore, it will be possible to tailor your answer to reflect the environment you will be entering.

If you are still unsure of what to expect when you get to the interview, honesty is the best policy. If you do have a strong preference then it is best to say so. Otherwise you could end up in an unsuitable job, which will be neither a benefit to you or the company. However, if you have no strong preference, it would be wise to explain that you are flexible on the issue and can integrate well into many working environments.

For example,

I would consider myself flexible in my preference for a working environment. I have experienced various workplaces and have always managed to integrate quickly into each workplace I have encountered. As for the environment on a more personal level, I enjoy a workplace where it is instantly evident that there is a strong team ethic.

This question is unlikely to give a negative view of you, so could be considered the safe option.

As with all interview responses, you should practice delivering your answers in order to help with your confidence. Always make sure to make eye contact with the interviewer and smile. Although an interview is a formal process, you should still endeavour be seen as friendly and receptive.