I'm completeing an online interview for a job and wonder if anyone has any ideas how to answer this question?

Question

Teamwork is an important part of working at XXXXXXXX, using no more than 100 words can you explain how you will ensure that you are an effective team member.

Any ideas welcome, serious answers only please (there are plenty of obviously silly questions on this site for you to get your two points elsewhere)

All serious answers and ideas are VERY welcome, thanks in advance B.

Answer 1

the whole point of doing it is to give YOUR answer...faking it will only cause problems later on...so i would say give it your best shot....

why not THINK for a moment about what teams you have been in and which ones were effective and why....that oughta help

oh and remember there is no i in t e a m!

Answer 2

Interviews are about what you think, but asking for Guidance is a sign of thoughtful thinking.I would respect that as a hiring manager.

I would suggest thinking of things in your life that you are a "team player." Are you involved with sports, local church group, band? Anything that takes good communication between people?

Once you have determined an "example" look at it, what do you do in that communication cycle to ensure the end result of the team is met? Do you make sure meetings meet everyone schedule, do you ensure people are moving along in the areas they need to be working in to make meetings effective? What is your part?

Teams are about all the parts doing something to get an end result. What part of the machine do you tend to "oil" naturally.

Also think of all the electronic tools you have at your disposal for being an effective team member, but dont' forget the tried and true ones.

Good Luck.

Answer 3

I'm not sure exactly what they're looking for, and a lot depends on the level of position you are applying for, but I think I'd answer in reference to being able or willing to work in the background to push forward a person or a team and not necessarily have to have the credit for work or ideas as an individual.

Another idea is that they may be looking for an employee who's willing to stop what they're doing and help an another co-worker who's overwhelmed with an assignment that may be of more priority to the company as a whole that day. I think I'd say something about the "show must go on" mentality ... which would show that you are all about the "show" and not your own corner of the theatre.

I also definitely agree with desi about them looking for specific experiences to back up any claims of being a team player. So if you are to show that you are the type of person who can think in terms of what's good for the company, state that and then back it up with an actual case in point.

I hope I've given you some ideas. Whatever they're looking for, good luck in your endeavor.

Answer 4

The absolute best answer you can give for any interview question is to give an example of your own work. Interviewers know that the candidates are 'good team players', 'like to work with people' etc. By providing specifics, you show them #1 you know what they are looking for and #2 you have xxxxx experience to match that need.

You have to come up with your own specifics, but here is an example from my own life [I'm an attorney]. At company X I collaborated with a team of five colleagues to re-draft company policy on hiring standards. We divided the policy into six parts with each to be re-drafted by the party assigned. The team then re-convened to share thoughts and revisions. By working together we were able to complete the re-draft a full two weeks before the final deadline. Anywho, you get the idea.

Answer 5

Ever read the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People?

You could say something like:
"I find it important to first listen to my team. I know their strengths, weaknesses and goals. I work to compliment their abilities with my own. I integrate the company's goal into my own and my teams ensuring a fluid work environment. I do not rush to judge a person or situation without facts."

maybe use the rest of your word limit for an example

ps, just read some other answers:
They don't want you to work overtime.
They have heard the buzz words "work ethic", "dynamic energy", "synergy", etc...............be original
If don't make the response your own in some way, they'll make the job someone else's

Answer 6

Have you ever played on a sports team, or worked on another team at another job - if so, say that you have.

Talk about how working with a team is sometimes about compromise - knowing when someone else's strengths are more valuable than others' or your own. It's about knowing when to lead and when to follow. It's also about respecting others' work, but knowing when it's not good enough and having the initiative to say so. It's about trust, cooperation, prioritization, organization, being analytical, critical, and appreciative of your own work, others' work, and collective work. A pretty predictable answer, but that's what employers like to hear sometimes. Just mention how you think you would apply these concepts.

Answer 7

I would answer about your energy, your good attitude, your willingness to work together, your ability to listen and learn, to offer your two cents, to play devil's advocate, and how a team of three can be 100 times stronger than an individual.
However, if you truly don't feel being on a team is a strong attribute of you, (which is not a bad thing by the way) then you may have a hard time living up to what they need.

Answer 8

I am an effective team member because I have learned to value others' opinions and to listen to their ideas.I also understand that working hard and diligently together is key. Everyone has to pull their weight. The ability of a team to work together also depends on having an open mind and subordinating one's own agenda for the good of moving the team's goal forward. I have noticed that this is difficult for many people to do, but I understand what it takes to achieve a team goal.

Answer 9

I will ensure that I am an effective team member by helping out wherever and whenever I can. I will be more than willing to assist my coworkers as needed. I have a very strong work ethic, and will always complete the tasks requested of me to the very best of my ability and in a timely fashion.
(You could also state that you are willing to work overtime, and/ or travel...depending on the job, to display that you will make every effort to help out any way you can).
Best of Luck with the job!

Answer 10

Think about all of your daily and life experiences. How have you made a difference with a group. There is always that saying that there is no I in team, however there is a ME. Teamwork begins with me. Good luck with the job.

Answer 11

As a team member I will rely on experience and knowledge gained with previous employers, and acquire additional experience and knowledge as a member of this team. This will be accomplished by listening to understand the team members and their point of view, input when and where appropriate, working together with the other members for a common goal, treating them with the same respect I expect from them. It requires putting aside personalities, and encompasses strength of character, courage of convictions, ability and willingness to compromise but not fold on issues, for the common good.