How do you work in teams?

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The question | What they are looking for | How to answer | See also

The question

How do you work in teams?

What roles do you take on when working in a team?

What do you like doing when working with others?

What sort of things do you typically do when working in a team?

What they are looking for

People who work in teams often fall into one of a number of archetypal team roles. This question may seek to find out which of these you tend to take.

The interviewer may also be looking for how you interact with others, for example collaborating, leading or getting on with your own work.

How to answer

If you are applying for a leadership role, you can use this to show that you can take the lead. A good way of doing this is to show that you can take charge when things are difficult and ambiguous.

A group of us were searching for a lost team member at night. I took charge, spread people out and fanned through the woods. We found Jen, who had fallen and broken a leg. I got Mike and San to run for help whilst Jeff built a fire and Cynthia and I make Jen comfortable.

In another position, it may be best to show that you can be the person who collaborates and gets things done.

I like working in teams where we collaborate towards a clear goal. When I know my job I get on with making sure I do my part. As I can, I will also work with others to help them.

See also

Theories about groups