There are many employers who value a team player over a brilliant individual who doesn’t know how to coordinate with others. You are likely to be faced with at least one question that would judge your ability to get along with others. As such, we have some tips that will help you nail the teamwork interview questions.
1 . The STAR Technique
This is one of those answers you give voluntarily instead of the employee even having to ask the question. The STAR technique not only helps highlight how you conduct in a team but also how competent you are as an individual. The STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
What you have to do is bring up an event from the past where your team playing skills have been put to the test. First, you start with the situation to give a proper background of where your efforts were shown. This will also help employers check your credibility.
Next, explain the task your team had to fulfill. Talk about the roadblocks you faced in completing the task and if there was any problem with the team. Then, the action comes in, where you brag about the steps you took to get the job done and resolve the conflict in the team.
Finally, you can boast about the result. Talk about what your team managed to achieve and what you learned together.
2. Common Teamwork Questions
Some of the most common teamwork questions involve asking whether the candidate has had problems with their manager or colleague before. In this case, the answer has to be upbeat. You can’t say you’ve never had a problem but that when it happens, you talk to them in a private situation and resolve the misunderstanding.
They might also want to know if you would rather work independently or in a team. The answer has to be that you’re comfortable in both situations. That you like it when the team brainstorms together, but everyone does their own fair share of work.
The question could arise about what you would do when a team member is not doing their own part. Well, you would talk to them privately in a friendly manner and try to understand what problem they’re having with their work. If that doesn’t work, you will speak to a supervisor privately and try to look for other solutions.
3. Teamwork Simulation
Some employees do this team simulation project where candidates are assigned a task, and they have to work together as a team. Afterward, you might be asked to analyze your team members and the overall dynamic of the group.
Simulation tasks are where you can practically show how good of a team player you are. Try to be approachable, communicate actively, and most importantly, listen to your team members. They’re looking for someone with a positive attitude and good analytical skills, so make sure to display that.
Final Thoughts
Don’t try to seem like a leader. Your employer would be interested in your leadership skills, but they are most interested in your listening skills. If you’re too strong, it might seem unmanageable. So, you have to maintain a balance.
About the Author
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