How will you earn the trust of your coworkers if you were to join Johnson & Johnson?
A new hire is effectively a stranger to a pre-existing team. The interviewer wants to know how you'd go about earning their collective trust and developing relationships in the workplace should they choose to hire you.
"I pride myself on my ability to be a trusted and respected colleague on any team that I work with and I know that any former colleague of mine would say this about me. If fortunate enough to be hired at Johnson & Johnson, building trusting connections with my close colleagues would be a top priority from day one on the job. I would look to connect with my team on a personal basis so we get to know each other well. From there, I would let my actions and communications continue to build that trust by living my words and being accountable for my responsibilities within the team."
"Earning the trust of colleagues doesn't come easily and I would fully understand that when joining Johnson & Johnson. I am the person that lets their work and actions do the talking on the job and my 'can do' attitude and willingness to help when needed would be a key for me to earn the trust of my colleagues. I'm also confident that my experience and skills would be proven quickly to the point where others would come to me for advice and help when needed."
You'll need to earn the respect of a pre-existing team. Asking questions, accepting advice, and actively listening can help you get there. Additionally, courtesy, communication, respect, and self-accountability can go a long way.
"Once they see me in action, they'll come around."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I believe building the trust of my peers is one of my assets, my friends and colleagues often share that I am easy to work with and respected due to my honesty. I believe my communication skills will prove invaluable in doing this as working as a team is not just about getting the job done but also about working cohesively where peers feel comfortable enough to share their difficulties with the task so that others can help support this and get the best solution. If given the opportunity I would put everything into my work to allow myself to be accountable for my responsibilities within the team and make sure I am on time so that my peers know they can trust me to get work done.
Amanda's Feedback
Well done! Honesty, clear communication, and following through to do what you say you'll do are great ways to build trust within your team. Being accountable for your share of the work and demonstrating that you're willing to keep learning and growing in order to help your team accomplish its goals are also valuable ways to build a trusting environment.
Anonymous Answer
I understand that joining an established team allows for some time to gain trust. Trust is very important to me and will be my first focus if lucky enough to join the J&J team. I will get to know as many co-workers as I can and introduce myself and my goals. I will then continue to gain their trust through my actions and dedication to the company.
Amanda's Feedback
Building trust with your team is important to establishing strong collaborative relationships. Your answer shows that you understand just how important trust among teammates is. You can strengthen this response further by briefly describing how you'll gain their trust by doing your share of the work, treating others as you want to be treated, and communicating effectively.
Anonymous Answer
I believe earning the trust of my coworkers is key to my success in a new team. If I am given the opportunity to join Johnson and Johnson, I will earn the trust of my coworkers by charging ahead and learning everything I can about new responsibilities and expectations to apply them to my work rapidly and, taking ownership of my role, becoming helpful to my team, so they can rely on my capability and dependability, as well as honesty, humble ability and effective communication about the things I do not know yet, to learn them from the team.
Marcie's Feedback
Wow! This response is passionate and any interviewer will undoubtedly be impressed by your desire to earn the trust of your new coworkers. You also mention a lot of great ways that you plan to go about earning that trust. Excellent answer!
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