Tell us about your experience working as part of a team. What role did you play and what was the outcome of the collaboration?

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
Tell us about your experience working as part of a team. What role did you play and what was the outcome of the collaboration?
Sample answer to the question:
I have significant experience working as part of a team in my previous roles. One particular project that comes to mind is when I was part of a research team investigating the effects of a new drug on cancer cells. In this project, I played the role of a research assistant, responsible for conducting experiments and analyzing data. The collaboration was highly successful, as we were able to uncover promising results that showed the drug's potential for inhibiting tumor growth. Our findings were published in a reputable scientific journal, contributing to the scientific community's knowledge in the field of cancer research.
Here is a more solid answer:
Throughout my career, I have actively participated in various team projects, leveraging my collaborative skills to achieve successful outcomes. For instance, in my previous role as a Biomedical Scientist, I worked closely with a cross-functional team to develop a new diagnostic assay for a rare genetic disorder. As the team lead, my responsibilities included coordinating the project, assigning tasks, and ensuring effective communication among team members. Through our collaborative efforts, we successfully validated the diagnostic assay, which led to its implementation in clinical practice. This achievement significantly improved early detection rates and patient outcomes for individuals with the disorder, demonstrating the positive impact of our collaboration.
Why is this a more solid answer?
The solid answer provides more details about the candidate's role in the team, their responsibilities, and the outcome of the collaboration. It demonstrates the candidate's leadership abilities and the direct impact of the collaboration on patient outcomes. However, it could still be improved by further emphasizing the candidate's communication skills and their ability to work with diverse team members.
An example of a exceptional answer:
Working as part of a team has been a cornerstone of my career as a Biomedical Scientist. One exemplary collaboration that stands out is when I was part of a multi-disciplinary team tasked with developing a cutting-edge treatment for a complex neurological disorder. As the project lead, I played a pivotal role in assembling and managing the team, which consisted of researchers, clinicians, engineers, and industry experts. By fostering strong communication and leveraging the diverse expertise within the team, we achieved remarkable progress. Through tireless research and experimentation, we successfully developed a groundbreaking therapy that showed significant improvements in patients' quality of life. Our achievement not only garnered recognition within the healthcare community but also attracted funding for further research and development. This collaboration exemplified my ability to thrive in dynamic team environments, effectively communicate complex concepts, and channel diverse perspectives towards tangible outcomes.
Why is this an exceptional answer?
The exceptional answer provides a compelling example of the candidate's leadership and collaboration skills. It highlights their ability to work with diverse team members and showcases the direct impact of their collaboration on patients' lives. The answer also mentions the recognition and funding received, adding further credibility to the candidate's expertise. However, it could still be improved by including specific details or challenges faced during the collaboration.
How to prepare for this question:
  • Highlight your experience working in diverse teams in your previous roles or projects.
  • Describe your specific role and responsibilities within the team.
  • Provide concrete examples of successful outcomes achieved through collaboration.
  • Emphasize your effective communication skills and ability to work with diverse team members.
  • Demonstrate your adaptability to changing circumstances and your ability to contribute to multiple projects simultaneously.
What are interviewers evaluating with this question?
  • Collaboration
  • Role in a team
  • Outcome
  • Communication

Want content like this in your inbox?
Sign Up for our Newsletter

By clicking "Sign up" you consent and agree to Jobya's Terms & Privacy policies

Related Interview Questions