How to Answer: How do you develop trust among your team in a virtual, or work-from-home, setting?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a HR Consultant job interview.
2. How do you develop trust among your team in a virtual, or work-from-home, setting?
How to Answer
If you are an HR Consultant for an organization with team members based in remote locations or work-from-home settings, you must be skilled enough to develop relationships with them despite little to no actual face time. With technology taking over and many workplaces offering more remote opportunities, the interviewer wants to know that you can build relationships - even under the absence of face-to-face interaction. Before your interview, think of some ways that you can and have developed a trusting working relationship under the same circumstances. Talking about how you use technology to build relationships will be a key thing that your interviewer will be looking to hear. Don't hesitate to talk about your ability to be transparent with all staff you work with and discuss how that transparency is even more vital in a virtual world.
Entry Level
"Technology allows for so much these days. By utilizing technology, I can quickly connect with someone, even if we are across the world from each other. I would suggest multiple contests where team members still have to collaborate to get to the end goal. This would help promote a team-based culture and allow staff to get to know each other more personally. This is the best way to develop trust among any team."
Answer Example
"I have not yet led a team of remote employees; however, I believe that the fastest way for a team of virtual employees to get to know each other would be to have a Google Hangout at least once per week. I'm very familiar with this platform, but I'm also learning Microsoft Teams and Zoom. Perhaps, I would even start by asking each team member to develop an introduction video and share it with the team. In the virtual world, I would lead my team in a very transparent fashion to help open the door for a trusting relationship and to help foster this culture among my virtual team."
User-Submitted Answer
"Being available, present, and meet my commitments and deadlines. Using the camera function to build a deeper relationship than always communicating over email."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
These are excellent ways to build rapport with those who you may not see in person daily. Good answer.
User-Submitted Answer
"I establish a set weekly meeting, and I keep it (without fail) - a virtual meeting.
I complete all tasks that I commit to doing on time. It is often easier to call each other when there are questions, so I do that.
One-on-ones are not negotiable. If the team knows I keep my commitments and make space and time for them, this builds trust."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Consistency in showing up is most certainly key here. Fantastic answer.
User-Submitted Answer
"Intentions are complicated to convey over email as humans are highly evolved to respond most effectively when they have access to tone and non-verbal communication. I often worry about how I come across when communicating through email, so I try to offer other lines of communication like my phone or to hop on to a video chat in certain situations where I feel it would be beneficial to have a more effective conversation."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
It sounds like you have a solid understanding of communication and how humans best interact. By saying that you 'often worry' about how you come across when communicating through email, you could create doubt for the interviewer. For instance, my follow-up question would be, 'Why do you often worry about your email communication?' By giving specific examples of when you prefer to jump on a call or video chat, you will bring your story to life (i.e., saying 'certain situations' is vague). I have offered a suggestion below.
"Intentions can be difficult to convey over email as humans are highly evolved to respond most effectively when they have access to tone and non-verbal communication. If I have to communicate a difficult situation or have a challenging conversation with an employee (such as...), I choose to pick up the phone or hop on a video chat. By engaging in effective face-to-face conversation, I build trust virtually."