Teamwork

Question 1 of 23
What qualities do you believe are most valuable for a team lead to
possess?
Answer
1.
I feel that a strong team lead should be motivating, competitive, and a natural
mentor. I have had leaders with these qualities, and it makes any team project run
much smoother when they possess these. When I lead a team, I do my best to
emulate these qualities as well.
Advice
The interviewer wants to know the attributes that you value most in a team leader.
List a few attributes that you feel are most valuable for a team leader to possess
and be sure to comment on how those relate to your strengths. Good examples
might include: Trustworthy - Accountable - Committed - Results-oriented -
Detailed - Driven - Strong Negotiator - Reliable. All of these attributes are valuable
in a team setting, and any of them will make sound examples for you. For example:
"I feel that a strong team lead should be motivating, competitive, and a natural
mentor. I have had leaders with these qualities, and it makes any team project run
much smoother when they possess these. When I lead a team, I do my best to
emulate these qualities as well."
Question 2 of 23
Tell me about the most rewarding experience you have had, working in
a team environment. What made it so rewarding?
Answers
1.
The most rewarding team work experience that I have had was in my last year of
university. We were assigned a project in teams of 4 which accounted for quite a
large part of our grade. I believe everyone pulled more than their own weight
because so much was at stake. Team work is very rewarding when everyone has
sometime to win, or lose.
2.
One of my most rewarding team work experiences was while I was attending
University. I learned so much by working with my classmates. I gained new
problem solving skills and learned a lot from their research preferences.
Advice
The interviewer wants to hear that you feel accomplished through teamwork. Talk
about a time when you felt fulfilled through a team setting or project collaboration.
An example may be a time when you worked on a team project in University, a
recent work collaboration, or possibly an extracurricular experience such as
coaching a little league team. Discuss the positive results of the teamwork and how
you attained a positive outcome as a group. For example: "The most rewarding
team work experience that I have had was in my last year of university. We were
assigned a project in teams of 4 which accounted for quite a large part of our grade.
I believe everyone pulled more than their own weight because so much was at
stake. Team work is very rewarding when everyone has sometime to win, or lose."
Question 3 of 23
Give an example of when your team motivated you. How did this
gesture enhance your performance?
Answers
1.
A couple of months ago I had a client pull out on a really huge deal. This deal would
have put me over my sales quota for the year and I was really disappointed when
it all came to a halt. My team members understood the disappointment and I
received nice notes of encouragement from them throughout the week. These
gestures kept me motivated and I was actually able to resuscitate the deal. I believe
a lot of that confidence came from the encouragement my team mates gave me.
2.
It can be easy to lose steam on a project when things do not go your way. If anyone
on our team loses motivation due to set-backs, we are sure to encourage each other
by focusing on what went right. It's a great tactic that works well for all of us!
Advice
Everyone needs to be motivated now and then! The interviewer would like to know
some of the ways that you can be motivated, even on the toughest of days. Many
people are motivated through incentives, additional training, and positive
affirmations. Think of a time when you needed additional motivating. Share what
members of your team did to motivate you, and how if affected your performance
in a positive way. For example: "A couple of months ago I had a client pull out on
a really huge deal. This deal would have put me over my sales quota for the year
and I was really disappointed when it all came to a halt. My team members
understood the disappointment and I received nice notes of encouragement from
them throughout the week. These gestures kept me motivated and I was actually
able to resuscitate the deal. I believe a lot of that confidence came from the
encouragement my team mates gave me."
Question 4 of 23
Tell me about a time when communication became an issue during a
team project.
Answer
1.
I recently worked on a team project focused on our business growth analysis. Each
person on the team was asked to analyze a different set of data. In the end, we came
together to discuss the results but couldn't seem to come to an agreement. We were
struggling to listen to each person's opinion on their findings. I suggested we give
each person a chance to talk through their findings, uninterrupted. It seemed to
help us but I did learn that there can be major challenges when a team is filled with
many aggressive personalities.
Advice
The interviewer wants to know how you overcome challenges in a team
environment. They want to see that you persevere, despite being faced with
teamwork challenges. Give an example of a time when communication became an
issue; perhaps due to personality differences or a misunderstanding when it came
to the scope of the project. Be sure to express to the interviewer how the
communication issues affected the team, and how you overcame those
communication challenges. For example: "I recently worked on a team project
focused on our business growth analysis. Each person on the team was asked to
analyze a different set of data. In the end, we came together to discuss the results
but couldn't seem to come to an agreement. We were struggling to listen to each
person's opinion on their findings. I suggested we give each person a chance to talk
through their findings, uninterrupted. It seemed to help us but I did learn that
there can be major challenges when a team is filled with many aggressive
personalities."
Question 5 of 23
Have you ever had to adapt your work style to fit team objectives?
Answer
1.
Typically, I like to begin my day with listening to voicemail, checking emails, and
making a to-do list for the day. The goal of this team was to increase staff
communication, so we decided to start each morning with a team huddle instead.
This meant that I was unable to kick-off my day with my usual morning routine. I
was happy to meet for the team huddles because I understood that they were
helping us meet our goal of improving communication.
Advice
The interviewer wants to see that you are open to change and are adaptable. Think
about the times when you have had to learn a new policy, change your organization
approach, or times when you have had to change your plan for meeting a goal. Talk
to the interviewer about how you changed this work style to meet the team's
objectives. Be sure to mention that you were happy to accommodate this change to
help the team reach the overall goal. For example: "Typically, I like to begin my day
with listening to voicemail, checking emails, and making a to-do list for the day.
The goal of this team was to increase staff communication, so we decided to start
each morning with a team huddle instead. This meant that I was unable to kick-off
my day with my usual morning routine. I was happy to meet for the team huddles
because I understood that they were helping us meet our goal of improving
communication."
Question 6 of 23
When have you been on a team project that failed? What did you learn
from that experience?
Answers
1.
In my current position our team was given a new client who needed us to recruit 5
employees. They were very specialized roles and the client was not open to
candidates who needed relocation assistance. Our competitor ended up finding the
right candidates before we could. It was really disappointing and I believe that we
failed because we were looking too much at the roadblocks rather than thinking
creatively. We learned from our mistake and our team was more aggressive with
our next project.
Advice
We all experience perceived fails in our career. This is nothing to be embarrassed
about so do not hesitate to describe a failure you've experienced in the past. The
key to a great answer is to include how you learned from that failure, and how you
improved your work performance after learning from the failure. Try to keep your
example non-critical; for instance, avoid telling the interviewer how your team
forgot to order new inventory, and it cost your company $15,000 in lost sales.
Avoid blaming any particular person and instead, use words like "we" and 'team"
to describe the situation. Finally, be sure to tell the interviewer that, while you were
very disappointed in the group's failure, you took the opportunity to learn from the
experience. For example: "Our team was recently on a project with a very tight
deadline. We knew the client and their needs very well which I believe made us go
into the project overconfident. Because we underestimated the work involved, we
missed our deadline by 3 business days. Thankfully we had a great relationship
with that particular client so we were able to recover from the missed deadline.
Although it was late, we worked overtime and delivered an exceptional project, in
the end. This experience taught me to never underestimate a project and the
potential roadblocks. It's always better to under-promise and over-deliver, rather
than the other way around."
Question 7 of 23
Tell me about your exposure to team building exercises.
Answers
1.
My company holds a company-wide retreat every Christmas season and I have
participated the past 3 years. We usually take a weekend to go to a resort that offers
exercises such as trail riding, mountain climbing, and zip lining. It helps everyone
to share some great laughs, and sometimes - even our personal fears. I believe that
team building is a vital part of creating an environment of trust and collaboration
in the workplace.
2.
Our company recently went on a President Club trip to Mexico. We had a few
sessions to attend that focused on team work and customer engagement. It was a
really motivating trip and my sales numbers increased by 15% that following
month!
Advice
If you have ever participated in a ropes course or a trust fall, then you have
participated in team building exercises! Of course, most examples of team-building
do not need to be that extreme. Any activity or company effort that motivates teams
and builds trust among co-workers is considered a team building exercise. Many
companies will offer team experiences to help build strong groups who collaborate
and communicate better. If you have experience as a participant, or leader, share
your experience and be sure to highlight your biggest take-away from the
experience. For example: "My company holds a company-wide retreat every
Christmas season and I have participated the past 3 years. We usually take a
weekend to go to a resort that offers exercises such as trail riding, mountain
climbing, and zip lining. It helps everyone to share some great laughs, and
sometimes - even our personal fears. I believe that team building is a vital part of
creating an environment of trust and collaboration in the workplace."
Question 8 of 23
If I were to put you on a team project today, what questions would you
have before beginning your work?
Answers
1.
What is the biggest challenge you foresee on this project?
2.
I am more of the type to go with the flow for the first day on a new team project. I
want to observe the work habits of others and come into the team with some insight
before jumping in with both feet.
Advice
The interviewer wants to know that you are eager when starting a new team
project, but insightful when it comes to your approach. Discuss with the
interviewer some of the questions you may bring up when taking on a new project.
Some possible options might include: - "What is the biggest challenge you foresee
on this project?" - "What are the top 3 roadblocks holding this project back right
now?" - "What time expectations are required for the project?" Show the
interviewer that you come to the start of a project prepared with insightful
questions.
Question 9 of 23
Do you prefer to work on your own, or as a part of a team?
Answers
1.
Whether I am doing an independent project, or working in a team environment, I
always give my best. I enjoy the camaraderie of working in a team, but I can be
successful working autonomously as well.
2.
Most of my experience has been in working independently so I would really
welcome the support of working in a team environment.
Advice
This is not a trick question! The interviewer is trying to get a feel for your
personality and how you interact with others. You may work well without the need
for much management or direction, or perhaps you are better driven in a
collaborative and team led environment. Either way, be honest with the
interviewer about your preferences without leaning negatively, either way. For
example: "Whether I am doing an independent project, or working in a team
environment, I always give my best. I enjoy the camaraderie of working in a team,
but I can be successful working autonomously as well."
Question 10 of 23
Do you consider yourself a team player? Why?
Answers
1.
I truly believe that I am a team player because I cannot accept success without
knowing that my team has also been acknowledged for their efforts. Everything
that I have achieved in my current role is not only due to my own hard work but is
also due to the great collaboration of my uber-talented team.
2.
I see great value in being a team player because you learn so much more vs working
alone. I definitely prefer working as part of a team. It's diverse and engaging.
Advice
Working well on a team requires you to have solid interpersonal skills and self-
awareness. Assure the interviewer that you have strong team-player skills. Some
qualities that make you a strong team player: - Having the ability to empathize -
Humility - Willingness to highlight the wins of others - Strong listening skills - The
ability to encourage others - Willingness to go beyond your job description -
Participating in extra-curricular activities - Showing respect to everyone in the
workplace - Being proactive on projects - Offering creative solutions - Contributing
when it is not expected of you - Displaying self-awareness - Accepting feedback on
your performance Briefly tell the interviewer why you see yourself as a team player.
For example: "I truly believe that I am a team player because I cannot accept
success without knowing that my team has also been acknowledged for their
efforts. Everything that I have achieved in my current role is not only due to my
own hard work but is also due to the great collaboration of my uber-talented team."
Question 11 of 23
Tell me about a time there was a serious conflict on your team. How did
you resolve it?
Answer
1.
One of the employees on my team was due to present at an industry conference,
but he fell behind and couldn't put everything together in time. Everyone on our
team was disappointed in his lack of commitment and many people were upset
with him. I was not scheduled to present, but I stepped in to cover for him. This
meant I had to rearrange my schedule, cancel meetings and postpone a lunch
event, but my company needed this presentation to be successful. I will always go
above and beyond for my team, even when it isn't the most convenient.
Advice
When cooperating with groups of people from different backgrounds and various
work styles, conflict is inevitable.Think of an example of when your team
experienced a conflict. Be sure to highlight how you skillfully handled these conflict
issues. For example: "One of the employees on my team was due to present at an
industry conference, but he fell behind and couldn't put everything together in
time. Everyone on our team was disappointed in his lack of commitment and many
people were upset with him. I was not scheduled to present, but I stepped in to
cover for him. This meant I had to rearrange my schedule, cancel meetings and
postpone a lunch event, but my company needed this presentation to be successful.
I will always go above and beyond for my team, even when it isn't the most
convenient."
Question 12 of 23
Have you experienced difficulties working with a previous manager?
How did you handle the difference of opinion?
Answer
1.
I had an issue with my manager a few years ago because we disagreed on the course
of action to take on a project that was going sideways. The discussion started to
heat up so I quickly let her know that I thought it was best we think about our
course of action overnight, and book a formal meeting to discuss the challenges.
We scheduled a meeting for the following day and were able to resolve the issue.
In the end, she told me she appreciated my conflict management skills, my
professional awareness and personal maturity surrounding the situation.
Advice
One of the ways you can show maturity and leadership in the workplace is by taking
the initiative to build a healthy relationship with whomever is directly supervising
you. If you experience conflict with a manager, you will know how to respond
because you have already built that foundation of support. Give an honest example
of a time when you supported your manager despite a difference of opinion. For
example: "I had an issue with my manager a few years ago because we disagreed
on the course of action to take on a project that was going sideways. The discussion
started to heat up so I quickly let her know that I thought it was best we think about
our course of action overnight, and book a formal meeting to discuss the
challenges. We scheduled a meeting for the following day and were able to resolve
the issue. In the end, she told me she appreciated my conflict management skills,
my professional awareness and personal maturity surrounding the situation."
Question 13 of 23
Have you ever worked in a cross-functional environment?
Answers
1.
I am regularly exposed to cross-functional teamwork in my current position. I
believe that when expectations are communicated clearly from the beginning, a
cross-functional team project can be very successful. I go into these types of
projects with an understanding that everyone has their own strengths and
limitations based on their expertise and job function.
2.
I have worked in a cross-functional setting for many years. Primarily with the HR
department and the Accounting department. Clear communication is key when
collaborating with different teams. Clarity in expectations is of huge importance.
Advice
If you work for a larger company, you may have been asked to work on a project
with teams from another department. Your ability to work with cross-functional
teams will be a big asset to your potential employer, especially if they are a larger
organization. Maybe you headed a project which required you to collaborate with
the members from the engineering and sales teams. You may have had the
opportunity to organize a volunteer activity or team building exercise, company-
wide. Share any challenges that came up and what you learned from the
experience. For example: "I am regularly exposed to cross-functional teamwork in
my current position. I believe that when expectations are communicated clearly
from the beginning, a cross-functional team project can be very successful. I go
into these types of projects with an understanding that everyone has their own
strengths and limitations based on their expertise and job function."
Question 14 of 23
Tell me about a time when you accomplished a team goal. Why do you
think your team was successful?
Answers
1.
This past year, our department came in under budget for the first time in 8 years.
I believe that we achieved this through building an incredibly communicative and
collaborative environment throughout the year. When everyone works together for
a common goal, great things can happen!
2.
I am currently working on a client project that has been very successful within our
team of 6. We set clear goals and forms of communication right from the start and
it's been a big success so far.
Advice
You can accomplish so much more if there is great synergy within your team!
Leveraging everyone's skills and best personality traits can encourage a team to be
more effective than ever. Share an example that demonstrates your understanding
of teamwork. For example: "This past year, our department came in under budget
for the first time in 8 years. I believe that we achieved this through building an
incredibly communicative and collaborative environment throughout the year.
When everyone works together for a common goal, great things can happen!"
Question 15 of 23
How do you motivate your fellow team members?
Answers
1.
I motivate my fellow team members by coming to work with an exceptional
attitude every day. I won't allow anyone's bad mood to let me down. That influence
alone has helped many of my coworkers get through their day on a more positive
note.
2.
I motivate others by complimenting their work, asking them their opinion, and
making them feel like a valued part of the team.
Advice
You don't have to be a manager or a team leader in order to motivate others.
Offering a listening ear or providing words of encouragement can make a world of
difference to your coworkers. Sometimes, simply being a positive influence and
showing up consistently can also make a difference. If you have worked in a
leadership role, think of ways you helped set clear goals or helped individuals
cultivate a new skill. Reflect on your experience and share some ways that you have
helped encourage others to keep up the good work! For example: "I motivate my
fellow team members by coming to work with an exceptional attitude every day. I
won't allow anyone's bad mood to let me down. That influence alone has helped
many of my coworkers get through their day on a more positive note."
Question 16 of 23
Tell me about a time when you led a team. What was your biggest
success factor?
Answers
1.
Just last month I was asked to lead our day shift employees when my boss was
away on sick leave. I took charge for two weeks and the experience was quite
positive! I believe the biggest success factor was that I tried to emulate his
leadership style and did ask his help when I wasn't sure what to do. I feel this
experience really prepared me for a leadership role. I am excited to take on a team
lead role again.
2.
Our company had a sales contest last month and I was asked to be our team lead
for the challenge. I really enjoyed that responsibility and we ended up winning the
reward in the end because my team increased sales by the highest percentage.
Advice
The interviewer would like to hear about a time that you led a team, with a positive
outcome. Highlight for the interviewer the primary factors that made your
leadership style a success. Your example could come from the workplace or
perhaps a time when you led a group project during your post-secondary studies.
For example: "Just last month I was asked to lead our day shift employees when
my boss was away on sick leave. I took charge for two weeks and the experience
was quite positive! I believe the biggest success factor was that I tried to emulate
his leadership style and did ask his help when I wasn't sure what to do. I feel this
experience really prepared me for a leadership role. I am excited to take on a team
lead role again."
Question 17 of 23
Do you think it is possible to be a good team member, yet disagree with
the leader?
Answers
1.
I absolutely think that it is possible to be a great team member, even when
disagreeing with the leader. It's all in how you maintain respect for each other
despite the difference in opinion.
2.
Yes, I think it is absolutely possible! What makes a great team member is not that
they agree with everything but the level of respect and positive thought that goes
into the person's communication style. It's okay to disagree you just have to
communicate your thoughts professionally.
Advice
The interviewer wants to know that you are able to be diplomatic in the workplace,
even when you may not agree with your leader. Show the interviewer that it is
definitely possible for you to be a good team member, yet disagree with the leader
from time to time. Explain that you believe everyone is entitled to their own
professional opinion, yet capable of maintaining respect for each other at the same
time. Show that even if you disagree with the final decision they make, you support
the direction the team is heading. For example: "I absolutely think that it is
possible to be a great team member, even when disagreeing with the leader. It's all
in how you maintain respect for each other despite the difference in opinion."
Question 18 of 23
How do you develop trust among your team in a virtual, or work-from-
home, setting?
Answers
1.
Virtual settings can create challenges when it comes to relationship building. I have
worked in a virtual setting before and found that sending quick notes of
encouragement, asking for advice, and being a clear communicator are all very
strong ways of developing trust among team members.
Advice
With technology taking over, and many workplaces offering more remote
opportunities, the interviewer wants to know that you are able to build
relationships - even under the absence of face-to-face interaction. Here are a few
ways that you can develop trust among your team members in a virtual setting: -
Building relationships: You might share how you have everyone introduce
themselves, share their professional background, personal interests, and even a
little about their personal interests in each meeting. - Face Time or Go-To Meeting:
Talk about how you ensure that you have video conferencing capabilities. Discuss
that being able to see each other, even virtually, allows you to build camaraderie
and creates trust among your team. - Creating a Transparent Culture: Tell the
interviewer how you open up the door for trust with your team by being an open
and transparent leader or co-worker. You might share that you have open
conversations about how the group will hold each other accountable. You may also
share other ideas that have worked for you such as: holding one-on-one meetings
with each member of the team, providing recognition for things well done, or
allowing team members to understand each other better by utilizing a personality
assessment.
Question 19 of 23
Tell me about the type of team members you dislike working with.
Answers
1.
I really prefer to work with those who are punctual, reliable, and can take
accountability for their own workload. With that said, I understand that I can only
be responsible for my personal work ethic so I do not allow any delinquent co-
workers to affect my personal performance.
2.
I can work with most personalities; however, I dislike working with others who do
not pull their own weight and expect others to pick up their slack. It's not fair to
the team and it's frustrating. When this has happened in the past, I have addressed
it with the team member.
Advice
You will not always be fond of the people you are collaborating with; however, the
interviewer needs to know that any potential dislike will not affect your job
performance. Keep your answer positive and focus on your ability to self-manage
despite team members who may drag you down. For example: "I really prefer to
work with those who are punctual, reliable, and can take accountability for their
own workload. With that said, I understand that I can only be responsible for my
personal work ethic so I do not allow any delinquent co-workers to affect my
personal performance."
Question 20 of 23
What role do you usually take in team projects?
Answers
1.
I am usually the 'ideas person' in team projects. In my current position, I am not
the strongest sales person, but I am highly creative. This means that, in most
projects, I am great at creating a plan of action but am most comfortable passing
the final client-facing tasks to our more extroverted personnel.
2.
I definitely like to take the lead on team projects. I am very vocal and organized
which makes me a natural leader.
3.
When it comes to team projects I do not mind taking a backseat and, rather than
being the leader, being more of an administrator. I like to organize data and
analyze progress rather than lead others.
Advice
The interviewer truly wants to understand the role that you naturally take on, when
put into a team based environment. If you tend to take the lead, let the interviewer
know this, but avoid sounding overbearing. If you usually like to generate new
ideas and allow someone else to execute them, share your creative side but express
that you prefer for others to take the lead. For example: "I am usually the 'ideas
person' in team projects. In my current position, I am not the strongest sales
person, but I am highly creative. This means that, in most projects, I am great at
creating a plan of action but am most comfortable passing the final client-facing
tasks to our more extroverted personnel."
Question 21 of 23
Do you have difficulty working in a team environment?
Answer
1.
Depending on the scope of the project, I sometimes prefer to work autonomously;
however, I am more than capable of being a positive and contributing member of
a team based project.
Advice
Team collaboration is a key part of most jobs so it's important that you give an
overall positive reply to this question. If you have difficulty working in a team
environment, that is okay; however, you need to show the interviewer that you are
capable of offering flexibility between a group setting and working autonomously.
In the end, the interviewer wants to be assured that you are capable of working
positively, in a team environment. If you have difficulty working in a team
environment: "Depending on the scope of the project, I sometimes prefer to work
autonomously; however, I am more than capable of being a positive and
contributing member of a team based project." If you love working in a team
environment: "Personally, I thrive in a team environment. I see team projects as
an opportunity to learn new skills!"
Question 22 of 23
If asked, how do you believe your coworkers would describe you?
Answers
1.
I know that my coworkers really respect my work ethic. If I had to guess how they
perceive me, I think they would say that I am a reliable person, an encouraging
teammate, and a strong mentor.
2.
I believe my coworkers would describe me as personable, reliable, and easy-going.
We all seem to get along great because we work off of each others' strengths.
Advice
The interviewer wants to know that you can honestly say your co-workers enjoy
collaborating with you. Select a few positive and unique keywords that truly define
your work ethic. Some great words to use: - Encouraging - Helpful - Engaged -
Positive - Hard-working - Punctual - Reliable For example: "I know that my
coworkers really respect my work ethic. If I had to guess how they perceive me, I
think they would say that I am a reliable person, an encouraging teammate, and a
strong mentor."
Objective:
The interviewer is hoping that your coworkers will describe you in a positive way.
Question 23 of 23
How do you make tough decisions knowing they will affect your entire
team?
Answers
1.
Leaders are truly set apart by their ability to make tough decisions in a respectful
and diplomatic way. Last year we had to lay off 25% of our sales team. I knew that
there would be feelings hurt and it was very difficult to do. I got through it by
reminding myself that I am the leader for a reason. I needed to trust my own
judgement but still be able to justify my decisions in the end. Many times when
tough choices are in front of me, I will back up my gut feeling with data analysis. If
the data supports my intuition, I know what the answer or decision needs to be.
2.
I believe that when you are working with a team if is important to bring any
questions or situations to the team before making a decision. Everyone should have
input; however, the leader needs to be able to pull the trigger on all decisions in
the end.
Advice
It can be difficult to make challenging decisions when you know that your entire
team will be affected. Your ability to be decisive and diplomatic will make all the
difference! If you take a more team-oriented approach, share how you collaborate
with the group by inviting everyone to discuss their opinions and come to a census.
If you prefer to take charge in these situations, share how you step up to a decision
while still taking everyone's needs and feelings into consideration. For example:
"Leaders are truly set apart by their ability to make tough decisions in a respectful
and diplomatic way. Last year we had to lay off 25% of our sales team. I knew that
there would be feelings hurt and it was very difficult to do. I got through it by
reminding myself that I am the leader for a reason. I needed to trust my own
judgement but still be able to justify my decisions in the end. Many times when
tough choices are in front of me, I will back up my gut feeling with data analysis. If
the data supports my intuition, I know what the answer or decision needs to be."