Transcript

When an interviewer asks what kind of environment you thrive in, it sounds like a preference question. It is anything but. The Assumption is they're trying to figure out where you'd be comfortable. What they're actually checking is whether you know yourself well enough to succeed, or whether you'll be the one blaming the environment when something goes wrong later. Here's what a positive and a negative answer might look like. The answer that hurts you sounds like avoidance. I can do well anywhere. I'm flexible. Well, that gives the interviewer nothing to work with, and it makes them wonder if you actually know what you need to do your best work. An answer that raises a greater concern is the polar opposite listing a long list of specific conditions you require, which can come across as high maintenance before you've ever even been offered the job. The answer that works is specific and honest without turning into a list of demands. Your answer might look something like, I do my best work when expectations are clearly laid out and I have room to figure out how to get there. I struggle more in environments where priorities are shifting daily with no explanation. That answer outlines not only a strength, but a limitation. And it tells them exactly what set up results in your best output, which is the real reason they ask the question in the first place. My name is Natalie Lemons, and I have over two decades Inside hiring decisions. As a recruiting firm owner, I teach you what recruiters know and job seekers deserve to hear. Download my Secret Language of hiring workbook, the links either down below or in my bio, depending on the platform. If this helped you, don't forget to save it for later. Share it with your network, and make sure you're following me for more like this. What environment do you do your best work in, and how would you explain it to someone?