How do you get along with others at work?
The interviewer wants to gauge if you can maintain healthy relationships in the workplace. They want to know more about the dynamics with your coworkers. Think about what you enjoyed about some of your relationships with past coworkers. Excellent communication, sense of humor, and a supportive approach are all great qualities that make co-worker relationships healthy and harmonious.
Answer Example
"I get along great with my coworkers. I am sure to maintain a positive attitude and be supportive, whether I am offering to assist someone who is overwhelmed, or if I am taking time to listen to someone who is having a challenging day."
Admin
"I rarely have an issue when it comes to getting along with others at work. I am a conscious communicator, being self-aware, and I express myself in a kind and professional manner. A positive attitude is a must for me!"
Manager
"As a manager, I have led a diverse range of personalities, and I can work with pretty much anyone. If, at first, I do not see eye-to-eye with someone, I will take the time to get to know them and find common ground. I find that when I have a link to someone, it's much easier to build a healthy working relationship."
Marketing
"I enjoy the people I work with, and I have made some of my closest friends in the workplace! I know how important healthy workplace relationships are, not only for camaraderie but also for accomplishing tasks and reaching goals. To be a positive contributor, I listen more than I speak. I am sure to back up my opinions with facts or examples, and I offer a hand when I see an opportunity to help."
Retail
"I am a people person who can find a way to get along with nearly anyone. When it comes to challenging coworkers, I've learned to be glad I don't live with them! All kidding aside, if a co-worker is negative, I remind myself that the longest I'm with them is a few hours. I keep a smile on my face and get down to work without allowing their behavior choice to impact my day."
Sales
"I get along well with my coworkers, and if occasionally something comes up, I'm sure to address any issue, so it doesn't get out of hand and create a divisive work environment. I'm supportive and strive to be a team player in all situations. More than anything, I want always to be a positive and respectful contributor, regardless of personality differences."
Teacher
"I get along with most other teachers, supervisors, students, and parents. I know my job is to find common ground with these parties, no matter what. I always look for the best in others. Even when there are moments of disagreement, I look to see the situation from the other persons' perspective - especially if it's a student. I work to find a way in which I can reach through the person's exterior and create a collaborative relationship."
Archivist
"I get along great with my coworkers. I try to maintain a positive attitude and be supportive, whether I am offering to assist someone who is overwhelmed, or if I am taking time to listen to someone who is having a bad day."
Bacteriologist
"I love working with people. I'm flexible and approachable in the workplace, understanding that things can change quickly. I encourage open communication with my coworkers and address the concerns they may have."
Anesthesiologist Assistant
"I very much prefer working within a team, which works out great for me, since I am an anesthesiologist assistant. I am currently employed at a surgical center, where I monitor patients during their surgery or procedure on behalf of the anesthesiologist. In this role, it is crucial that I work effectively in a team, as I first must work with the anesthesiologists in communicating the patient history and physical information and understanding the medications they are administering. Then, during the procedure, as I monitor the patient, I must work with the other professionals in the room, including the surgeons, nurses, and surgical techs, to ensure the patient is properly cared for. To me, ensuring I am being a team player is one of my primary responsibilities, as it is essential to caring for the patient."
Treasury Assistant
"I thrive in a team environment and consider myself a team player. For instance, in my last role of (X position title) at (X company), we had to work on numerous collective projects on a weekly basis, such as (...) (X description of collaborative projects and how you contributed to the team's success)."
Assistant Principal
"I'm good at listening to parents' needs. I've had positive experiences in which parents come into the parent-teacher conference with anxiety about their child's academic performance but were able to leave feeling reassured that their child is improving."
Airline Steward
"We aren't always going to work alongside friends or people we get along well with, so it's important to focus more on what we're working on and less on who we have to work with. I try to regularly remind myself of what is needed and expected of me and my team at work and focus my energy on that while maintaining professional interactions and relationships with my colleagues, regardless of how I feel about them."
Medical Assistant
"I love being a medical assistant. I'm sure there are days that we all wish things would run a little more smoothly. For me, I would like to see my role as a medical assistant to be more clinical than administrative. While I am comfortable with the administrative responsibilities, like charting and communicating with outside sources, I really enjoy the one on one interaction that the clinical side allows me to have with patients."
Urologists
"I am not married and have no children at this time. So, I am pretty flexible with my schedule. If I had a choice, I would prefer the late shift, as I am a bit of a night owl. However, I am excited about the opportunity to become a part of this team and am willing to work where I'm needed."
Auditor
"I had a contract to work as a temp with nine other people. We sat in a conference room together for almost a year on this project. We shared birthdays and holidays even decorated this tiny little tree we named Tim. It was like a Charlie Brown Christmas. We grew very close and although the company only hired three of us, we stayed in contact with many of the others and made great friendships from of the experience."
Alcohol and Drug Counselor
"As a counselor, I need to be able to work well with clients as well as my coworkers. I value my professional relationships as well as the client-focused relationships that I earn through my counseling sessions."
Addiction Psychiatrist
"In our line of work, working well with people is what we do! I pride myself on building positive professional working relationships and successful patient and therapist relationships. I try my best to be flexible and open in the workplace, understanding that things can change very fast when you are dealing with a plethora of personalities. I also want to stay on good terms with my coworkers, so if I sense a conflict arising, I will be sensitive in addressing it before it escalates."
Activities aide
"I believe if we think about it, each of us could remember at least one disagreement with a friend or coworker. Although I consider myself to be pretty easy-going, I am also very passionate about my patients and the care that they receive. I have been aware of disagreements between other co-workers, but really like to think of myself as more of a peacekeeper. I feel like professional people should be able to discuss things logically and come to an agreement that is satisfactory for everyone involved."
Behavioral Health Technician
"I enjoy working with people because it teaches you the value of teamwork. Last week we worked on a community project that identified and assisted members of the community. I developed a great relationship with our community as well as got to know my co-workers better."
Union Representative
"I love working with people. I try my best to be flexible and open in the workplace, understanding that things can change quickly. I also want to stay on good terms with my coworkers, so if I sense a conflict arising, I will be sensitive in addressing it before it escalates."
Correction Officer
"I get along great with my fellow officers. I try to maintain a positive attitude and be supportive, whether I am offering to assist someone who is overwhelmed, or if I am taking time to listen to someone who is having a bad day."
Blood Bank Laboratory Technician
"If pipette operators do not pre-wet the pipette tip prior to initial delivery, sample volume can be lost due to evaporation within the tip. Aspirating and expelling sample liquid at least three times before delivery can mitigate this risk, and is especially important when handling volatile solutions such as organic solvents."
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"Communicating and helping co-workers are great tools to maintain healthy relationships with them in the office. I am not a computer expert, but I have basic skills. I always help my coworkers if I see somebody having problems doing something on the computer. I greet them by name and discuss work-related matters."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
Good! I have reworded this to help with the flow.
"I get along well with others at work. I am strongest when it comes to helping others and communicating with them."
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"I work well with others and tend to build relationships outside the workplace."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
This is a good start; however, try to dig a bit deeper. You can even mention a positive comment from a co-worker or a great performance review.
"I get along well with my coworkers by getting to know them and what they enjoy doing outside of work. My fellow teammates often mention that they enjoy how approachable I am, and my boss recently applauded me for being such a great team player."
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"I get along great with my co-workers as I always try to maintain a positive attitude and be supportive of each team member with their new creative ideas."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
It seems that you are a stellar team player. This answer will show the interviewer the ways that you will fit in with their existing team.
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"I get along great with others with work. It is important to build a positive relationship with those around you because a positive work environment is crucial to obtain a common goal successfully. Having played sports the majority of my life, I understand the importance of supporting your fellow teammates to the best of your ability."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
Your sports background is a fantastic way to support your answer. Very good response!
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"I get along really well with others at work. I believe that my laid back personality and overall friendly demeanor make me an ideal teammate and leader."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
It's great how you mention a bit about your personality. Good answer!
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"In retail, you’re going to encounter all kinds of different diversity. With the employees in my time as a manager, I’ve always been able to work with all diversities. I had great communication with my employees."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
I made some edits to highlight yourself as a manager.
"I have accumulated many years of management in my career, and have learned vital communication skills along the way. I have the ability to get along and manage a wide range of people. I have always received positive feedback from peers and employees I have supervised."
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"I am a supportive co-worker and a great team player, and in a hectic health environment like ours, I believe that is important."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
These are very important factors when working in a team environment. This is a great response.
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"I get along great with my coworkers, I always try to be positive, and if someone needs support, I always try to support them."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
You sound like someone who would be lovely to work with. Well done :)
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"I get along really well with my co-workers. I believe that my positive attitude makes me a great team player. I am always honest, loyal, and supportive to my team and the company that I work for."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
It seems that you are easy to work alongside, which is very important! A positive attitude goes a long way :)
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"I have never had an issue when it comes to collaborating with others at work. I am a conscious communicator and am always able to express myself in a kind and professional manner. A positive mindset is a must when working in a customer relations corporation."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
Wonderful! You make a great case surrounding your communication abilities and strengths.
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"I enjoy the ability to laugh with my co-workers, especially on the tough days. It makes those days a lot more fun. I am passionate about music and animals and have bonded with co-workers on those subjects and shared pictures and CDs with them. I really love being able to support my teammates as well regarding personal and work issues. I appreciate their support too. We all need it."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
It sounds like you are someone who makes the workplace a better place to be for all! Your compassion and kindness really shine through in this response.
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"I have excellent communication skills, a good sense of humor. I have all of the great qualities that make co-worker relationships harmonious and healthy."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
Great answer! Employers want employees who work well with others. In your response, try to show what qualities help you get along with others. Are you positive or supportive? Do you have a sense of humor, or are you patient? I reworded your response slightly to incorporate my suggestion, and you can tailor it to reflect your qualities.
"I'm the type of person who gets along with everybody. My co-workers know me as positive/supportive/patient/a person who lightens the mood with humor. I'm quite adaptable and can adjust to any personality or situation. Plus, I like being part of a team, and getting along with people is integral to a successful team."
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"I work well in a team. I find I can build genuine connections with others at work."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
Simple and to the point. Good!
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"I have experienced a diverse range of people working in various jobs, and I always get along great with my coworkers. I love getting to know my co-workers and their hobbies. I also love to maintain an optimistic attitude at work, and I believe that's what helps me get along with others."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
Perfect response! You sound very involved and friendly. :)
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"I got along with most of my co-workers and developed one of my best friends from working together. We don't work together anymore, but she is still a big part of my life."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
How nice to find a best friend at work! Your answer here, and when you mentioned earlier that you are still in touch with former employees, shows a pattern of healthy relationships. Well done!
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"I get along great with my co-workers! I always try to maintain a positive attitude and be supportive, whether I am offering to assist someone who is overwhelmed, or if I am taking time to listen to someone who is having a bad day."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
Your response is great; showing that you care about your coworkers. You could further support your reply by mentioning a positive reference, or a great performance review that highlights your ability to get along well with others.
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"I feel like you should be able to have a good time at work whether you're cracking jokes or getting to know your coworkers on a personal note, just being friendly."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
Great! This answer is very authentic.
"I get along with others at work by having a good time, cracking a joke now and then, and getting to know my coworkers on a personal level. Really, it's just me being my friendly self."
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"I get along with others by listening to them. I do not offer advice right away because sometimes people want to be heard and understood. If they want advice, then I will offer them my honest opinion. I also would avoid gossiping because it is not good for the company and the people around you. Drama is a waste of time and being unproductive. I would take an interest in others and collaborate in teams."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
It sounds like you have a very professional approach to work and building relationships. Say no to drama! :)
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"I’ve been blessed to work with great people thus far, so my professional relationships have been great, marked by excellent communication, a sense of humor, and support."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
Nicely said! Your reply highlights the fact that you are easy to get along with and that you value communication.
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"Overall I get along great with my co-workers. I make an effort to talk with the supervisors about the challenges they are having. I also enjoy playing golf with people from other departments to build relationships outside of my group."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
It seems you take the care needed to develop meaningful relationships with your co-workers.
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"I have an excellent relationship with coworkers. I believe if asked, they would describe me as friendly, approachable, and a team player."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
Throughout your answers, it sounds like you have great relationships with everyone around you. Good answer!
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"I try to maintain a positive attitude.
There will always be difficult co-workers. I try to find common ground with them and positively relate to them.
I prefer to focus on the skills that they bring to the job so we can work well together."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
The fact that you focus on the positive skills and traits of your coworkers is a fantastic approach. Great answer!
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"When I'm at work I will make sure that I'm doing my job and help my coworker if necessary. And I'm a go getter. I like myself to be busy with work."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
The question asks of your personality in relation to colleagues. I assisted with an alternate response.
"I am a friendly and knowledgeable colleague; I keep the lab atmosphere positive and help when necessary."
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"Having worked in another country, I have led a diverse team. There were people from Asia, the Middle East, and the United States, and they all had different values. This was a great experience for me, and I learned a lot about people. People in my culture are very direct. This was sometimes difficult for people to manage, so I was able to adapt to the person."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
Good response! You use some great examples. I have reworded just slightly for the sake of flow.
"I led a very diverse team in the UAE which included people from Asia, the Middle East, and the United States - all with different values. This experience helped me to gain knowledge of different cultures and communication styles. For example, I am Dutch, and we are very direct. At times, I had to shift my people management style, to better adapt to their culture."
ANONYMOUS ANSWER
"I have never had an issue with getting along with others at work. I am the type of person who speaks their mind; I try to be honest as often as I can. I like to be friendly to everyone and always give people a smile or wave when I walk by them."
OUR COACHES ANSWER
Who wouldn't want to hire you after that! Great answer :)