What do you do if your problem-solving skills are tested in a team interview?

1 Understand the goal

Before you start working on the task or scenario, make sure you understand the goal and the expectations of the interviewer. Ask clarifying questions if you need to, and confirm the time limit, the resources available, and the criteria for success. This will help you avoid wasting time or going off track, and show that you are focused and attentive.

2 Communicate effectively

Communication is key in any team setting, but especially in a team interview. You want to show that you can listen, speak, and write clearly and respectfully. Use active listening skills, such as nodding, paraphrasing, and asking follow-up questions, to show that you are engaged and interested in what others have to say. Express your ideas and opinions confidently, but not aggressively, and use evidence and logic to support them. Write down any important notes, steps, or decisions, and share them with the team and the interviewer.

3 Collaborate constructively

Collaboration is another vital skill in a team interview. You want to show that you can work well with others, contribute to the team's goals, and handle any conflicts or disagreements professionally. Be respectful and supportive of your team members, and acknowledge their strengths and contributions. Offer your help and feedback when appropriate, and accept constructive criticism gracefully. Avoid dominating the conversation, interrupting others, or criticizing them harshly. If there is a conflict or a difference of opinion, try to resolve it by finding common ground, compromising, or proposing alternative solutions.

4 Solve problems creatively

Problem-solving is the main skill that the interviewer wants to see in a team interview. You want to show that you can analyze the problem, generate and evaluate possible solutions, and implement the best one. Use a structured approach, such as the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), to break down the problem and explain your reasoning. Think creatively and outside the box, and don't be afraid to suggest innovative or unconventional solutions. Test your solutions and check for errors or flaws, and be ready to adapt or improve them if needed. Demonstrate the results and outcomes of your solutions, and how they meet the goal and the expectations of the interviewer.

5 Reflect and learn

After you finish the task or scenario, don't just walk away. Take some time to reflect on your performance and your team's performance, and what you learned from the experience. Ask for feedback from the interviewer and your team members, and give feedback to them as well. Identify what you did well, what you could have done better, and what you would do differently next time. This will show that you are self-aware, humble, and eager to improve your problem-solving skills.