Why this question is trickier than it looks
Most candidates interpret this as a binary choice and try to guess which answer the employer wants. That is the wrong approach for two reasons. First, you cannot reliably guess: some roles need independently focused work, others need constant collaboration, and most need both. Second, giving a one-sided answer makes you sound like you have not thought about how you actually work. The question is asking about self-awareness, not preference matching.
The intended purpose of the question is to understand how you function: do you need a lot of interaction to do your best work? Do you shut down in open-plan noise? Can you switch between modes? Do you understand when each is appropriate? The best answer is not a strong preference for either but a thoughtful description of when each mode serves you and the work best.
How to structure your answer
Start by acknowledging both modes have genuine value and that your effectiveness depends on context rather than preference alone. Then describe what kinds of work call for each. Then connect to a real example that shows you can do both. Finish by connecting to what this specific role requires: if you have done your research, you know whether it skews toward individual contribution or collaboration.
Sample structure: "I find I do my best deep thinking work independently, when I have uninterrupted time to concentrate. But I also genuinely value the feedback loop that comes from working closely with others, particularly when we are in early stages or when a problem benefits from multiple perspectives. In my current role, I tend to do the initial analysis or draft independently, then bring it to the team for stress-testing before finalising. I think that rhythm suits this kind of role, which from what I understand involves a mix of [individual analysis / collaborative problem-solving]."
Examples that work for different contexts
For a research or analytical role: "I prefer to work independently when I need to go deep on analysis. I find that my best insights come when I have blocked out time without interruptions. That said, I have noticed that presenting half-formed ideas to a trusted colleague often reveals blind spots I would not catch alone. I try to build in both modes deliberately rather than choosing one." For a team-oriented sales or service role: "I genuinely enjoy working in a team. The energy of a strong team environment motivates me. But I also know that to contribute well in meetings and collaborative sessions, I need to do my individual preparation first. So for me it is about sequencing: thinking alone, collaborating out loud." For a remote or hybrid role: "I have spent the past two years working in a hybrid model and I think I have got better at being deliberate about which mode serves which task. Asynchronous, focused work for analysis and writing; synchronous time for decisions, ideation, and building relationships."
What to avoid
Do not say "I love working in a team" with no nuance if the role involves significant independent work. Do not say "I prefer working alone" with no further explanation if the role is collaborative. Both one-sided answers make you sound like you have not considered how work actually functions. Do not say "I am flexible, I can do both" without supporting it with any real substance: this non-answer sounds like you are avoiding the question. And do not exaggerate your preference for whichever mode you think the interviewer wants to hear: it usually reads as inauthentic and can lead to a poor fit if you get the role.