Sometimes interviewers ask questions about your work style. One such question is “Are you a big-picture or detail-oriented person?” Your answer to this question can help the interviewer understand how you typically accomplish tasks and whether your workflow suits a role. In this article, we discuss what it means to be a big-picture versus detail-oriented person and provide some examples of how to answer this question.
Are You a Big Picture or Detail-Oriented Person?
Mention the relationship between the two
There may be situations where being detailed-oriented and seeing the big picture are both necessary to solve a problem. Its can be helpful to focus on one aspect while also mentioning the strengths of the other. For example, if youre interviewing for an accounting position, you might mention that being detail-oriented during everyday business can be beneficial later on when closing out the books at the end of the year. Your answer is still focused on being detail-oriented, but it shows how youre also thinking about the big picture.
Example 3: Retail cashier
“I love working with numbers, so I think Id see myself as detail-oriented. I am reliable with keeping a count, which is good for maintaining a cash till, and I also focus to make sure I ring up each item a customer brings to me. I do also enjoy maintaining the store and ensuring that a customers experience is efficient and comfortable from beginning to end.”
Example 2: Sales associate
“When I work with customers, its important to me that their experience is the best it can be from the beginning to the end. I consider myself a big-picture person for this reason, as Im able to look back on the entire experience and offer new and creative solutions to improve the time the customer spends with me. I also know its important to listen to those who focus on each detail too, taking their recommendations and applying it toward my own methods.”
Why do employers ask about being big-picture vs. detail-oriented?
When employers ask this question, the main thing theyre looking for is an overview of your work style. Some people may like to focus on the minor details of a project, while others like to focus on the project as a whole. Interviewers may use this question to consider how you might potentially fit into their team. This question can be your opportunity to talk about how you organize yourself, as it may be an important aspect of the work you do.
A Definition of a Detail Oriented and Big Picture Person
A Detailed Oriented person believes that everything should be perfect. They can hyperfocus on a specific project to completion without distractions. They typically enjoy attention to detail, asking questions, and editing a task until it’s clear of errors. Alternatively, they are highly organized in all aspects of life. A Detailed Oriented person will have the cleanest desk and clearest mind.
A Big Picture person focuses on the outcome of a project. They are creative, ambitious, and strive to be the best. They often prefer to work faster while focusing on a future goal. You can expect them to bring new ideas to a work meeting and stay motivated for the next project. Lastly, a Big Picture person wants to achieve great things because their dreams are big.
I could go on and on about all the little details this work requires, but I think you get the idea. Having a system in place will make your life, SO MUCH EASIER. Whether you’re a big-picture thinker, or you’re detail oriented, if you want to have a successful book campaign, you need both.
By the way, if you’re unclear which camp you fall into, you can take a quiz here.
Are you detail oriented or a big-picture thinker? You most likely know the answer to this question. I’ve heard many people proudly state they like to look at the big picture, while others know they love going over all the minute little details when planning anything. Many of the personality tests available today look for where this tendency falls within individuals so that team leaders can better help their members collaborate with others. They understand them better…
Caveat: There is another option though, and that is to hire someone to handle the vision and strategies for you, and/or someone to handle all the details for you. With the right budget, it can be done.
Without a doubt, having both aspects would be the best for anyone, but is that possible?
The importance of big picture thinking
“Take a step back”, “Look at the big picture”, “Think about it in the grand scheme of things”. These snippets of advice tend to go in one ear and out the other if you’re naturally a detail-oriented person. Often, they can feel like a waste of time – why invest in all that fluffy thinking when there’s just so much to actually get done?
But what if we told you that scientific research has revealed that “big picture thinking” is linked to venture success for entrepreneurs? That those entrepreneurs are 30-48% more likely to think in broad terms than the rest of us?
FAQ
Can you be detail-oriented and a big picture thinker?
Are you a big picture person or detail-oriented person Why?
For example, if you have experience leading teams or working on group projects, you might consider yourself as a big-picture person. If you have experience working with numbers or keeping records, you may be more detail-oriented.
What is a big picture thinker?
Are you a big picture thinker or detail-oriented interview?
