What is the hiring manager looking for?

Hiring managers ask this question to assess a candidate’s ability to work effectively in a team environment, adapt to new situations, and demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills. They want to know that you can build productive relationships with your colleagues, contribute to team success, and create a positive work environment.

How to structure your answer

1. Research the Company and Team:
– Gather information about the company’s culture, values, and work style.
– Research the team’s dynamics, roles, and responsibilities.

2. Make a Positive First Impression:
– Arrive on time, dress appropriately, and maintain a positive attitude.
– Introduce yourself to team members, be friendly, and show interest in their roles.

3. Be an Active Listener:

– Pay attention to what others say, both verbally and nonverbally.
– Ask questions to show you are engaged and interested in their perspectives.
– Avoid interrupting or dominating conversations.

4. Show Empathy and Respect:

– Understand and appreciate different work styles and backgrounds.
– Be respectful of others’ opinions and viewpoints, even if you disagree.
– Show empathy and understanding towards your colleagues.

5. Offer Help and Support:

– Be willing to help your colleagues with their tasks and challenges.
– Share your knowledge and expertise when appropriate.
– Be a team player and contribute to the overall success of the team.

6. Build Trust Through Transparency and Honesty:

– Be transparent about your strengths, weaknesses, and intentions.
– Be honest in your communication, even when it’s difficult.
– Keep your promises and commitments.

7. Be a Team Player:

– Collaborate effectively with your colleagues to achieve team goals.
– Be open to feedback and willing to adjust your approach based on input.
– Celebrate team successes and acknowledge the contributions of others.

Tips to answer this interview question

Tips:

– Be genuine and authentic in your interactions with team members.
– Be proactive and take the initiative to build relationships.
– Be patient and persistent in developing relationships.

Avoid:
– Being overly aggressive or pushy in your interactions.
– Making assumptions about others based on stereotypes or biases.
– Being negative or complaining about your colleagues or the company.

Example interview answers to this question

Sample Answer 1:

“In my previous role, I joined a team where I was the only new hire, and the existing members had been working together for several years. I made an effort to learn about each team member’s background, expertise, and interests. I asked questions, listened actively, and showed genuine interest in their perspectives. I also took the initiative to organize team-building activities to create a more cohesive and collaborative environment. As a result, I was able to build strong relationships with my team members quickly, which contributed to our team’s overall success.”

What makes this answer strong:

– Demonstrates proactive and intentional relationship-building efforts.
– Highlights active listening and genuine interest in team members.
– Includes specific examples of how the candidate took the initiative to create a more cohesive team.

Sample Answer 2:

“When joining a new organization, I always make it a point to understand the company’s culture, values, and work style. I also research the team’s dynamics and roles to get a sense of how I can best contribute. I believe that building relationships is a two-way street, so I make a conscious effort to be friendly, approachable, and supportive of my colleagues. I actively seek opportunities to collaborate with others, share my knowledge, and learn from their experiences. By fostering open communication and mutual respect, I have been able to build strong and productive relationships with new team members in previous roles.”

What makes this answer strong:

– Shows a thoughtful and strategic approach to relationship-building.
– Emphasizes the importance of understanding the company’s culture and team dynamics.
– Highlights the candidate’s commitment to collaboration and mutual support.