With Euro 2016 under way you can expect plenty of analysis, discussion and punditry about teamwork over the next few weeks.
However, it’s not just on the pitch where being a good team player is important.
Practically every job these days requires a certain level of teamwork and hiring managers will want to know that you work well with others.
So as part of our interview tips, we suggest that you should always prepare for to answer questions about your teamwork skills.
The Run Up
When you are asked “Are you a team player?” question during an interview you are obviously going to say “yes” but the interviewer will expect you to expand on your answer.
Here are a few examples of a positive opening:
“Even though my manager tended to assign each member of the group with individual responsibilities, as colleagues we always worked as a team to ensure each person was successful at completing his/her task.”
“I have worked independently and with others and have achieved success in both positions. While some tasks are individual and only need one person to complete, other jobs need teamwork to get them done properly.”
“I understand and appreciate the fact that a team environment is both productive and efficient. I have the ability to compromise, show respect to others and listen to the needs of my teammates. While I can be a leader when necessary, I can also play an equal role on the team when the situation merits.”
It’s also important to note this type of question can be asked in several different ways, for example:
- Can you tell me about a team project you were involved in?
- Could you share a rewarding team experience?
- Describe a project that required input from individuals at different levels across the organisation?
Recommended Jobs
On Target
You need to give the interviewer examples from your previous experience that demonstrateyour team working abilities.
To keep your answers focused and succinct use the STAR technique which is a tried and trusted method of answering interview questions.
- S – situation: I was working as a cashier and we had to check out customers regardless of the number of items they had.
- T – task: While I had no customers, my colleague was extremely busy with a large customer order so I had to ensure he completed the job as quickly and efficiently as possible.
- A – actions: I ensured there were no other customers waiting. Then I went over to assist my colleague by helping him bag the items.
- R – result: The customer was very satisfied due to the speed and efficiency of the service and my colleague appreciated my help.
Don’t be surprised if the interviewer asks you a question about a negative teamwork experience, for example you could be asked;
- Tell me about a team project that was a complete failure?
- Tell me about a time you had to work with a difficult team member?
The last question is a favourite interview question of many hiring managers.
Remember these queries are not ‘trick’ questions, the interviewer will genuinely want to know how you deal with difficult situations.
Yet again, the STAR method should be your go-to answer:
- Situation: I was given the responsibility of collecting money for the office party and one of the staff didn’t make a donation.
- Task: I had to find out why he wouldn’t help pay for the party without causing any offense.
- Action: I took him to one side and politely enquired as to why he had not made a donation to date. It turned out he was having serious financial problems so I decided to make the donation for him.
- Result: The party went ahead as planned, the staff member was still able to attend and no one was informed of his personal issues.
Back of the Net
So how do you choose great examples to show your team work skills?
- Stay Recent
Try to choose examples from the last 12 months if possible. However, you can go back further if you have an especially relevant story.
- Make Sure You Shine
Always choose an experience that shows you in a good light. For example, you may have resolved a conflict or helped bring the team together. An even better example would be an occasion where you achieved spectacular results for the company in terms of increased sales, reduced expenditure etc.
- Keep it Relevant
Always review the job description before the interview so you can get a greater understanding of the type of collaboration required by the company. Try to prepare several examples to represent different types of group projects.
- Demonstrate Other Strengths
Find examples which reflect your other strengths along with your teamwork skills. For instance, choose a story that shows your leadership ability or sales acumen as well as your ability to work within a group.
- Use the STAR technique
The STAR technique helps you to simplify complex situations and lets you to get to the heart of the matter quickly and concisely. Look to keep your answers to 1-2 minutes; any longer and there’s danger you’ll start to ramble.
Cup Winner
Show you are a team player by preparing answers to interview questions which highlight your ability to work harmoniously with others but which also demonstrate your other key capabilities.
It is undeniably one of the most important questions in an interview, use it as an opportunity to hammer home the fact you’re the best candidate for the job.
