How would you react if a co-worker called in sick and asked you to take over their project?
This question goes beyond how readily you would go out of your way to support your fellow teammates. Your interviewer is also curious how you would go about balancing the priorities and responsibilities you were committed to, as well as whether you would involve your leadership in this decision, and how it might impact the many moving pieces they may be presently managing. Consider these points when answering this question. Showcasing your scope of the big picture will help position you as a more desirable candidate.
"I'll always do whatever I can to be a team player. But I would first ask why they weren't reaching out to our leadership. Ultimately, the decision should fall on their shoulders. Now, if one of my leadership team asked me to help, or asked this coworker to reach out to me, that's a different story. If I could deliver on their project while managing the workload I had at the time, then yes, absolutely I would help. But, depending on the situation, there's a lot to take into consideration, starting with respecting the chain of command."
Teck Resources places a lot of emphasis on their employees' performance development and promotes the frequent use of clear channel communications with their superiors. "Salaried employees have regular performance, development, and career conversations with their supervisors. To communicate, clarify and align business priorities with individual performance and development expectations, to provide meaningful feedback on job performance, and to contribute to employee development that is aligned with individual career aspirations and business needs."
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 am always ready to go on and beyond as long as I am not been taken advantage of. I am willing to add more value to the organization.
Jaymie's Feedback
Great job. Your response shows that you are a team player and you're willing to jump in and help when necessary but that you are careful not to be taken advantage of.
