As the saying goes, if you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together.
Looking for a genuine team player among the many candidates for a role can be difficult, especially when all of them claim to be “good team players” in their resumes.
Although there aren’t any guaranteed signs a candidate will work well with others, you can still try the following tips to spot them in an interview.
1. Know What You’re Looking For
First, you need to know what qualities distinguish team players from those who are not. Generally, a team player is someone who:
- Is always reliable – A great team player is always there when you need them.
- Displays genuine commitment – Team players come to work with the commitment to giving 100 percent; motivating teammates to do the same.
- Does more than asked – Team players go the extra mile for their team so they can reach their collective goals.
- Adapts quickly and easily – Great team players are not They adapt to change and even drive positive change themselves.
- Communicates with confidence – Team players are often skilled communicators, whether through speaking or writing. They are also skilled listeners, an often-underestimated quality among professionals.
2. Ask the Right Questions
In an interview, ask candidates what they think of a team and how it works, and what they think they can do in a team to make it function.
Questions like, “What does it mean to be a good team player?” allow candidates to explain their views on teamwork, while situational questions like, “What would you do if you…?” give you an idea of their thought processes, particularly when it comes to difficult situations involving ethical dilemmas and conflict.
If your candidate talks about putting the team first instead of focusing on individual achievements, it’s likely you’re talking to a solid team player.
3. Let Candidates Talk About Real Life Experiences
Besides hypothetical situations, be sure to ask candidates to recount real life experiences of working in teams, or even leading one of their own. This will give you more insight into how they worked with teammates or managed team processes as leaders. Be sure to ask for specific details to ensure you don’t get canned answers.
Are you looking for talented team players?
For more recruitment tips and tricks, subscribe to this blog. If you need assistance looking for top-notch talent in the tech industry, let the staffing specialists of The Crevalle Group help you! Contact us to learn more about our services.