29 interview questions to assess collaboration

In the hiring realm, collaboration’s importance cannot be overstated. It is widely recognized that successful teamwork is the driving force behind achieving organizational goals and fostering a thriving work environment.

If you’re seeking to recruit individuals who excel in collaboration and can seamlessly work with their teammates, you’ve come to the right place. This article presents a comprehensive list of 29 interview questions designed to assess a candidate’s collaboration abilities. By exploring a range of questions, including those focused on general collaboration, influence and persuasion, and relationship building, you’ll gain valuable insights into a candidate’s teamwork skills.

General Collaboration Interview Questions

1. Can you share an experience where establishing a strong working relationship with a colleague from another department was crucial to successfully completing an important assignment or project?
2. Describe the most challenging group you’ve collaborated with and explain how you navigated the situation. What were the outcomes?
3. Recall a time when you had to effectively collaborate with a team you had no prior experience with. How did you approach the situation, and what was the result?
4. Share an instance when you prioritized assisting a team member over your own tasks. What actions did you take, and what was the outcome?
5. Can you describe a project that required strong teamwork for successful completion? Explain how the team’s collaboration contributed to the project’s success.
6. Have you ever encountered a situation where two team members struggled to work together? How did you address and resolve the conflict?
7. Tell me about a time when you facilitated a compromise among team members to benefit the team.
8. Provide an example of a time when you were willing to compromise on something significant to you to enable your team to proceed with a project.
9. Share your most memorable contribution as part of a task group or special project team. Explain how your contribution impacted the outcome.

Influence & Persuasion Interview Questions

1. Can you discuss an innovative idea you presented to your colleagues or leadership team? How did you effectively communicate the idea, and what were the outcomes of your pitch?
2. Describe a situation where you motivated others to take a leap of faith and embrace a new project or idea.
3. Share when you anticipated a problem and convinced your team to adopt an alternative approach. What were the circumstances and how did it unfold?
4. Tell me about an instance where you utilized your leadership skills to garner support for something that initially faced opposition.
5. Narrate a time when you successfully persuaded a colleague to back a controversial idea you proposed.
6. Describe a situation where you effectively communicated your idea to your team, fostering collaboration to achieve a shared goal.
7. Metaphors, analogies, and stories can be powerful tools for gaining buy-in. Can you describe when you skillfully employed them to persuade others?
8. Share a time when you convinced your colleagues to embrace a new process. What steps did you take to persuade your team members?
9. Tell me about a time when you had to persuade someone to adhere to a policy or guideline that you personally didn’t believe in.
10. Give me an example of a situation where you used facts and logical reasoning to persuade a team member to accept your recommendation.

Relationship-building Interview Questions

1. Share a situation when you tried to establish a relationship with a challenging customer or prospect, but were unsuccessful. What were the circumstances and the outcome of your attempts?
2. Describe when you quickly developed a strong rapport with a colleague with whom you initially had disagreements or conflicting views. How did you overcome the differences and build a positive working relationship?
3. Tell me about an instance when you successfully understood a colleague’s needs and adjusted your approach accordingly. What steps did you take to accommodate their requirements, and what impacted your collaboration?
4. Provide an example of when you had to handle a disgruntled customer. What issue did they face, and what was the outcome of your intervention? Describe your specific role in resolving the situation and restoring customer satisfaction.
5. Describe a situation when you needed to take disciplinary action with a direct report. Explain why it was necessary and how you addressed the issue. Share the outcome of the disciplinary action you took.
6. Give an example of when you initiated a change in processes or operations based on customer feedback. What specific feedback did you receive, and what steps did you take to implement the necessary changes based on that feedback?
7. Share an experience when you faced challenges in managing an employee’s or team’s work. How did you handle the situation, and what measures did you take to address the issue effectively?
8. Tell me about when you successfully motivated a team member or direct report. How did your support and encouragement contribute to achieving their goal or objective?
9. What are the key ingredients for building and maintaining successful relationships with customers or prospects? Share your insights on the essential elements to establish strong and lasting connections.
10. Describe a time when your relationship with another team member enabled you to complete a task or project successfully. How did your collaboration and rapport impact the quality or efficiency of your work on that particular assignment?