How to Answer “Do You Prefer to Work Independently or in a Team?” in Irish Interviews

One of the most common questions in Irish job interviews is: “Do you prefer to work independently or in a team?”

The interviewer isn’t trying to trap you — they want to see how well you’ll fit into the company culture and whether you can adapt to different work situations.

Why Employers Ask This Question

• To understand how you deliver your best results.
• To assess if your style matches the role (e.g., solo tasks vs. collaboration).
• To check for flexibility — most jobs require both independence and teamwork.
• To learn how you’ve managed in previous roles.

How to Structure Your Answer

1. Acknowledge both sides. Employers want balance, not extremes.
2. Link to the role. If it’s team-heavy, lean towards collaboration; if solo, highlight independence.
3. Give an example. Show how you’ve thrived in both settings.
4. Emphasise adaptability. The best answers show you can shift when needed.

Example Answers

Example 1:
I enjoy both, but I’d say I lean towards teamwork because I find collaborating with colleagues brings fresh ideas and better outcomes. At the same time, I’m comfortable managing projects independently when needed.

Example 2:
I’m adaptable — I like working independently on focused tasks, but I also value being part of a team for brainstorming and problem-solving. My last role gave me a mix of both, which I really enjoyed.

Example 3:
I don’t have a strong preference — I see the benefit in both. When working independently, I can concentrate deeply on tasks, while teamwork brings creativity and support. I think striking the right balance is key.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Saying you can only work one way.
• Giving an answer that clashes with the company’s culture.
• Being vague without linking to experience.
• Forgetting to emphasise flexibility.

FAQs

Should I choose one side?
Not strictly — most roles need both. It’s better to show balance.

What if I genuinely prefer one over the other?
You can be honest, but still emphasise adaptability to avoid looking rigid.

How do I know which way to lean?
Research the company and role — highlight what fits them best.

Recommended Resources

• See Describe Your Ideal Work Environment for another culture-focused question.
• Read How Do You Handle Stress? to prepare for pressure-related scenarios.
• Explore our Interview Tips Ireland Guide for a full prep strategy.