Tell us about a time when you had to work with a team member who had a different work style or approach. How did you collaborate effectively and find common ground?
Applications Engineer Interview Questions
Sample answer to the question
I remember a time when I had to work with a team member who had a different work style than mine. We were working on a project to develop a web application for a client. While I preferred to plan everything in advance and follow a structured approach, my team member was more spontaneous and liked to work in a more agile manner. Initially, this difference in work styles caused some friction and miscommunication. However, we quickly realized the importance of collaborating effectively to find common ground.
A more solid answer
I remember a specific instance when I had to work with a team member who had a different work style on a client project. We were tasked with developing a mobile application within a tight deadline. I preferred to follow a structured approach, dividing the tasks and setting clear deadlines, while my team member had a more flexible approach and preferred to work in short iterations. To collaborate effectively, we decided to combine our work styles and created a plan that encompassed both structured milestones and iterative development.
Why this is a more solid answer:
The solid answer provides a specific example of a project where the candidate had to collaborate with a team member with a different work style. It highlights the candidate's problem-solving abilities in finding a compromise and creating a collaborative plan. However, it could still benefit from more details about the actual implementation of the collaboration and the outcome of the project.
An exceptional answer
I recall a project where I had to work with a team member who had a significantly different work style and approach. We were developing a complex software solution for a client that required a combination of agile development and strict adherence to deadlines. While I preferred a more agile approach, my team member was more inclined towards a waterfall methodology. To bridge this gap, we decided to incorporate both methodologies in our project plan. We divided the project into iterative sprints, where we followed an agile approach and adapted to changes quickly. At the same time, we set clear milestones and deadlines to satisfy the waterfall methodology. This allowed us to collaborate effectively, find common ground, and deliver the project successfully within the client's expected timeline.
Why this is an exceptional answer:
The exceptional answer provides a detailed and comprehensive example of a project where the candidate had to collaborate with a team member with a different work style. It demonstrates the candidate's ability to think critically and find a creative solution that combines different methodologies to achieve the desired outcome. It also showcases the candidate's adaptability and commitment to delivering high-quality products.
How to prepare for this question
- Reflect on past experiences when you had to work with team members who had different work styles or approaches. Think about the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
- Practice articulating your communication and problem-solving skills in a clear and concise manner.
- Familiarize yourself with different project management methodologies (e.g., agile, waterfall) and understand their strengths and weaknesses.
- Consider how you can adapt your work style to collaborate effectively with team members who have different approaches.
- Be ready to provide specific examples of projects or situations where you demonstrated effective collaboration and finding common ground with team members.
What interviewers are evaluating
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Flexibility
Related Interview Questions
More questions for Applications Engineer interviews