aaargh help interview today...how can I explain/demonstrate that I work well in a team

[ggirlsbells]

and aam a good communicator?

Have worked in a team of florists,also as a nurse but that was yrs ago.Have been chair of preschool pta,currently parent volunteer at school.
What words /phrases can i use besides just saying I have worked in a team ,to convey that I am an all round fantastic team worker but can also work on my own inititaive.

please !

Don't think I'll be much use at this, but I'll have a go at some keywords.

• communication (the key to teamwork as I learnt from an ex colleague who couldn't think of that answer in an interview and had to ask)

*working to individual's strengths and weaknesses whilst not allowing them to just do their favourite work only

• keeping to deadlines, knowing what steps have to be achieved by what time/date along the way.

• are teambuilding events the norm? If so, you can mention how they can be useful once a year and say what they might contain, if you're asked.

• be ready to give examples of when you've worked on your own initiative and the result achieved.

I don't know if any of that helps. Good luck with the interview.

thanks
right examples of deadlines and own initiative

Back to your florist days. Any last minute requests 5 mins before closing time on the last working day of the week so very little stock left in the shop?

Chair of pta days. Maybe some parents wanting to buy a PC and others something quite different? Maybe some have fixed fundraising ideas that others disagree with?

What are the good things you get out of being a parent volunteer. What do you find difficult and how to you manage that difficulty so that it doesn't become a problem?

shit-am scared now

right will have a good think

thanks-you're good at this

Message withdrawn

hahah haven't you gone yet cod?
you'll never get a seat

No, no. Today is Thursday. You're not allowed to be scared on a Thursday (which just so happens to be an interview day, but forget that bit just now).

Get an A4 pad and a pencil to make notes to prepare what you want to refer to.

First of all check your clothes, travel plans, times, etc. If driving and wearing a skirt or dress, I usually put a spare pair of tights and stuff in a bag in the car so I don't panic if I put a finger through them.

Imitate someone who you've known in a work situation who carries themself well, speaks clearly and consisely, answering the question they've just been asked (as opposed to the qu they were hoping for!)

You'll be fine, in fact, fab! Go girl!

thanks for your help

will try and stem the nerves,I do tend to clam up and waffle about nothing so I'll go and write some stuff
thanks

I'd be looking for examples of how you appreciate that different team members have different strengths, how you appreciate that everyone has to pull together to achieve the team common goals (beause imo that's one of the things that makes a team a team and not just a collection of people all doing similar things)

Good communicator. Convey it by listening well and maybe repeating back if you're not sure (not in a dumb arse way, obv!) but in a way that shows you really want to answer correctly. Or to clarify something. I think you can talk about avoiding jargon, about not assuming people know things or udnerstand the background to issues etc.

Good luck

Waffling isn't allowed. If you're nervous, give your answer, making it clear and consise and if it seems like it isn't enough (they are giving you that "go on" type look) you could ask them if they'd like to you go into more detail. It helps if you know how long the interview is expected to take and have a way of knowing what the time is but if there is a clock, I bet it is on the wall behind you instead of in front of you, so they can use it to their benefit!

I hope you'll come back and tell me how it went later. Good luck!

yes I'll let you know it's not until 1:30

what's the job?

Health care assistant

I am hoping to do my retraining (am reg nurse but haven't worked for yrs) but don't think I should mention that,do you?

As no-one else has popped in with an answer to your question about saying that you plan to retrain, I'd say that honesty is the best policy but if it comes up as a question or as part of your answer, I'd say what the time scale is i.e. "I'd like to be in this job for two years before retraining in January 2010". I think they'd be nuts to not offer the job to the best candidate just because they plan to move on in 2 yrs' time or whatever. 9 months or less might be a problem, though.

Message withdrawn

thanks simply I'll say a few yrs then if they ask.

good luck.

Well it went well ...I think.

Asked me how I had introduced an innovation at flower shop ,lied through my teeth but gave a good answer.

Also asked how I'd feel working as unqualified nurse whilst being qualified .

Didn't really ask much else,just told me about the job and showed me around.

I find out tomorrow.

Fingers crossed

Got the job !

Yaaaay

Got a letter today inviting me for interview for another job I applied for ....shell have to cancel interview.

Well done! I'm so pleased for you!

thanks simply

and thanks for your help in preparing for the interview,much appreciated

No problem. I hope it all goes well for you.