"Are you more of a team player or an independent worker?" answer template (A2, B1, B2)
How to use this template
Choose the level that fits your English and fill every blank with a true detail from your own work, in 3 parts: Both, Examples and Fit. Plan your example on the STAR worksheet, tick the checklist, then say the answer out loud.
A2 template: simple English
Short sentences, one idea in each. Good if your English is basic or you feel nervous.
- Both: I can work alone and with a team, for example at ________ (where).
- Examples: Alone, I ________ (task). With my team, I ________ (how you helped).
- Fit: This job needs ________ (more team work or more work alone). That is fine for me.
B1 template: linked sentences
Joins your ideas with because, and, then and so. Good for most interviews.
- Both: I am comfortable with both, and in ________ (type of job) you need both.
- Examples: For example, I ________ (task you did alone), and I also ________ (time you helped the team).
- Fit: From the advert, this role needs more ________ (teamwork or independent work), and I am happy with that because ________ (reason).
B2 template: fuller answer
Adds a reason, a result and a little more detail. Use it if you can say it without reading.
- Both: I work well both ways, which suits ________ (type of role), where ________ (why both are needed).
- Examples: On my own, I ________ (independent task); as part of a team, I ________ (team contribution).
- Fit: Since this role seems to involve more ________ (one side), I would ________ (how you would adapt).
STAR worksheet: plan your example
Your answer needs one true example. Plan it here in notes, not full sentences, then use it in the "Examples" part of the template.
Situation
What this job needs, in the words of the advert.
Task
One task in your past work that needed the same thing.
Action
What you did in that task.
Result
The result, and why it matters to this employer.
Checklist before you say it
Tick each point when it is true for your answer.
- Both: Say you can do both.
- Examples: Give one short example of each: a task you did on your own, and a time you helped the team.
- Fit: Say which one this job needs more, based on the job advert, and show you are comfortable with it.
- Avoided: Choosing only one side. "I prefer to work alone" can sound like you do not enjoy teamwork.
- Out loud: I said the whole answer out loud, with only true details, in about one minute or less.
A finished answer to compare
This is one way a hospitality staff might answer. Compare it with your template: the same parts, with real details. Do not copy it.
Hospitality Staff answer
I am comfortable with both. I look after my own section and make sure my tables are happy. But when another section is busy, I help them clear tables or run food. In hospitality, a good service depends on the whole team working together.
Learn more about this question
- How to answer "Are you more of a team player or an independent worker?" — the short answer, the steps, mistakes and phrases
- Template: Why should we hire you?
- Template: What are your salary expectations?
- Template: Do you have any questions for us?
- All answer templates
- Example answers for your job: Care Worker · Hospitality Staff · Kitchen Porter · Barista · Hotel Receptionist · Retail Assistant · Warehouse Operative · Delivery Driver · Customer Service Advisor
Questions people ask
Should I learn the template answer by heart?
No. Learn the order of the 3 parts (Both, Examples and Fit) and your own details, then say it in your own words. A memorised answer can sound flat, and an interviewer may ask a follow-up question.
Which level should I use for "Are you more of a team player or an independent worker?"?
Use the level you can say without reading. If you are not sure, start with A2, say it out loud twice, and move to B1 when it feels easy. A short, clear answer is better than a long one that is hard to follow.
How do I print this template?
Use the Print or save as PDF button near the top of the page, or your browser's print menu. Only the template is printed, without the menus and buttons.
Practise this answer aloud
Say your answer to "Are you more of a team player or an independent worker?" out loud or type it, and see what an interviewer may notice and what to fix first. Free to start, no card needed.