Tell us about a time when you had to collaborate with a team to develop new ideas.

Sample answer to the question

During my time at university, I was part of a team project where we had to create a short film. We had to collaborate to develop new ideas for the script and storyline. We started by brainstorming ideas and discussing different concepts. Each team member contributed their unique perspectives and we built upon each other's ideas to create a compelling storyline. We conducted research to ensure our script was accurate and engaging. We also had regular meetings to discuss our progress and make any necessary adjustments. The collaboration was key in developing new ideas and bringing our vision to life.

A more solid answer

During my time at university, I was part of a team project where we had to create a short film. As the Creative Writer on the team, my role was to develop the script and storyline. I collaborated closely with the director, producer, and other team members to brainstorm ideas and create a unique concept for the film. We faced the challenge of balancing everyone's creative input while ensuring the story remained cohesive and engaging. To overcome this, we conducted research on similar films and analyzed their narrative structures. This allowed us to incorporate elements that we believed would resonate with our target audience. Throughout the process, we held regular meetings to discuss our progress, provide feedback, and make necessary adjustments. The result was a well-received short film that showcased our ability to collaborate and develop new ideas as a team.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides more specific details about the candidate's role as a Creative Writer and the challenges faced during the collaboration process. It also highlights the candidate's use of critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in conducting research and analyzing narrative structures from similar films. However, it could still benefit from mentioning the candidate's interpersonal skills and the outcome of the project.

An exceptional answer

During my time at university, I was part of a team project where we had to create a short film. As the Creative Writer on the team, I took the lead in developing the script and collaborating with other team members to bring our ideas to life. We started by brainstorming concepts and researching different genres to identify trends and audience preferences. Through open and honest communication, we discussed the strengths and weaknesses of each idea, allowing us to refine our focus. To ensure the narrative structure was compelling, I used my critical thinking skills to analyze similar films and incorporate storytelling techniques that resonated with our target audience. We faced challenges along the way, such as conflicting ideas and time constraints, but we approached these obstacles with a solution-oriented mindset. By leveraging our individual strengths and working together, we successfully created a script that captured the essence of our initial vision. The final short film was met with positive feedback and recognition at a local film festival, showcasing our team's ability to collaborate and develop new ideas.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides a comprehensive overview of the candidate's role as a Creative Writer, their use of critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, and their ability to collaborate effectively with the team. It also highlights the candidate's strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the outcome of the project, showcasing their dedication to quality and creative success. This answer thoroughly addresses all the evaluation areas mentioned in the job description.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on past team projects where you had to collaborate to develop new ideas. Think about your role in the team and the specific challenges you faced.
Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and contribute valuable insights during team brainstorming sessions.
Emphasize your critical thinking and problem-solving skills in researching and analyzing relevant information to support the development of new ideas.
Discuss any experience in analyzing audience preferences and incorporating those insights into your creative work.
Share the outcomes and successes of past collaborative projects, such as positive feedback, recognition, or awards.
Practice providing specific examples and using storytelling techniques to make your response more engaging and memorable.

What interviewers are evaluating

Creativity and imagination
Collaboration and teamwork