Interview Question: Working Independently

Tell me about a time when you had to work independently

Contents

1 Tell me about a time when you had to work independently
2 Other interview questions that are similar
3 What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question
4 How best to structure your answer to this question
5 What you should NOT do when answering questions
6 Tell me about a time when you had to work independently – Example answers
7 Other Interview Question and Answers

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

There are probably an infinite number of questions that the interviewer could ask you on the day. Some questions are incredibly common appearing in almost every interview you will have, while other questions you might hear once and never again regardless of how many jobs you apply for.

Fundamentally though all interview questions are really trying to find out one of 3 things:

1 – Can you do the job? (Do you have the skills/experience needed?)
2 – Will you do the job? (Do you have the drive/motivation to get the job done?)
3 – Will you fit in? (Does your personality match the workplace culture? Are you likeable?)

That’s it. Those are the 3 things that the interviewer is trying to ascertain. Every question that is asked of you will fundamentally be trying to resolve one (or more) of these 3 things.

When faced with a question like, “Tell me about a time when you had to work independently,” the interviewer is typically seeking to understand your capability and drive – essentially probing aspects of points 1 and 2 from the list above. This question gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and experience (Can you do the job?) by detailing a specific instance where you successfully managed a task or project on your own. It’s a chance to highlight your problem-solving skills, initiative, and ability to work without constant guidance.

How best to structure your answer to this question

Unless the question you are asked is a straight ‘up or down / yes or no’ style question then you are going to need to learn to describe, expand and elaborate on your answers. The best way of doing this is to follow the B-STAR technique for answering interview questions.

Answers using this method follow the below structure:

B – Belief – What are your thoughts and feelings with regard to the subject matter? This helps the interviewer understand your perspective and attitude towards working independently, revealing your mindset and approach to solo tasks.

S – Situation – What was going on? Briefly explain the scenario that was taking place. Linking this to the interview question, describe a specific instance where you had to work independently, focusing on the context that required you to take this approach.

T – Task – What was your role in the action? Most of the time it is best that you are taking an active rather than passive role in the encounter. In your response to the interview question, emphasize your active role in working independently, showcasing how you managed and executed the task on your own.

A – Activity (or action) – What did you do? Detail the steps you took and why you took them. When answering the interview question, delve into the actions you took while working independently, demonstrating your ability to operate effectively without supervision.

R – Result – How did everything end up? Try to use figures if possible. In the context of the interview question, conclude with the outcome of your independent work, using quantifiable results to underscore the effectiveness of your actions.

Remember though that the B-STAR technique is descriptive not prescriptive. You do not need to follow this flow strictly, go with what is best for your answers and that will allow you to put your point across and show your experience the best.

What you should NOT do when answering questions

Do not avoid the question – directly address how you managed working independently.

Do not downplay the situation – acknowledge the challenges you faced while working alone.

Do not overhype the situation – keep the description realistic and relevant to your independent work.

Do not give a one-sentence answer – provide enough detail to show your competence in handling tasks independently.

Do not overly describe the scenario and miss the action – focus on your actions and decisions in the independent task.

Do not have a passive role in the situation – emphasize your active involvement and initiative in working independently.

Do not forget to mention what you learned – highlight the skills or insights gained from the experience of working alone.

Tell me about a time when you had to work independently – Example answers

Example Answer 1 (Detailed)

Belief: “I’ve always believed in the importance of self-reliance and resourcefulness, especially in challenging work situations.”

Situation: “In my previous role as a project coordinator, there was a time when our team was swamped with multiple projects, and I was assigned to handle a key client project solo due to staff shortages.”

Task: “My role was to manage the project from start to finish, which included coordinating with the client, overseeing the project timeline, and handling any issues that arose.”

Activity: “I started by outlining a clear project plan, setting weekly goals, and scheduling regular check-ins with the client to ensure alignment. I utilized digital tools for efficient project tracking and problem-solving. When an unexpected delay occurred due to a supplier issue, I quickly identified an alternative supplier, negotiating a deal that not only kept us on schedule but also reduced costs.”

Result: “The project was completed two weeks ahead of the deadline, under budget by 15%. The client was extremely satisfied, leading to a long-term contract and a 30% increase in customer satisfaction scores for our team. This experience taught me the value of proactive planning and the importance of quick, decisive action in independent work scenarios.”

Interview Question: Working Independently – Answer Examples

Tell me about a time when you had to work independently

Other interview questions that are similar

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

How best to structure your answer to this question

What you should NOT do when answering questions

Tell me about a time when you had to work independently – Example answers

Example Answer 1 (Detailed)

Example Answer 2 (Shorter)

More Sample Answers…

Other Interview Question and Answers