"When working as part of a large team, I consider myself a worker bee that brings my area of expertise to the situation. Recently, I worked as part of an executive team that was solving our patient flow issues, and I represented the lab from our facility. In the first brainstorming and learning sessions, I listened to others to gain a perspective and willingly spoke up for issues and processes that my department had underway. When it came time to brainstorm changes and write new policies, I didn't hesitate to take a leadership role with my great administrative skills."

"I would say that I am a natural leader in a team-based setting. I lead by example through my hard work and dedication to the craft, and the teams I work on find me easy to collaborate with because of this ability. My communication skills and knowledge of the medical laboratory instill trust in the teams I work with. When needed, I can also take direction very well and work with leaders above me."

Describe how you like to actively participate when working on a team and are flexible when working with others. The interviewer wants to hear about your interpersonal and leadership skills. If your role is to sit back and take notes instead of taking the lead on a project, the interviewer may feel that you are on the meek side and may pass you over for another candidate. The interviewer will form that conclusion even if that is not your personality.