How to Answer: Do you work well on a team?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Chemist job interview.
3. Do you work well on a team?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
You should expect this common interview question in your job interview. Many jobs require employees to work with one another regularly, which includes communicating, completing tasks, and planning projects or events. Interviewers want to know that you can communicate well with others and complete projects successfully with a team.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022
How to Answer
Give specific examples of times you've worked well with others in the past. If you have never worked in a team environment, find an example of a time you worked with others in school, volunteer work, or another venue. Research the role and the company to learn what teamwork looks like at this particular organization.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022
Answer Example
"I prefer working with a team. Different team members contribute different perspectives, and the synergy between team members can produce creative and productive results. I enjoy encouraging the unique skill sets of my team members. For example, I recently worked on a large group research project in which two introverted members did not share their opinions with the group. I suggested breaking our larger group into smaller teams for brainstorming sessions. In these smaller teams, the quiet members became more vocal and shared some amazing ideas. These ideas became part of our overall strategy and helped us complete the project."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on February 28th, 2022