Think of an occasion when it was necessary to work with others to get something done and where you played your part in getting a result.  You will be assessed in this question on how well you co-operated with others in completing the task in hand.

Some key phrases in the question above:

• “necessary to work with others” (the only way to complete the task was in a team)
• “you played your part” (you did something active to get a result)
• “you co-operated with others” (you were a contributing member of the team)
• “less attractive jobs” (easy to miss – are you willing to do the nasty stuff too?)

Again this question on first viewing can seem rather difficult.  But again the question is not asking you to describe the building of a skyscraper or the planning of the World Cup!  The assessors are not really interested in the scale of the task, just that it was something that needed teamwork to get it done.  So think laterally:

• The time you helped some friends move into their new flat
• Cleaning and renovating the Scout hut
• Putting together a large order at work in time to meet a deadline
• Clearing an overgrown garden

Tell us what had to be done.

I helped out at a hospital radio station.  We were asked to provide an outside broadcast for the upcoming hospital fete with just two weeks notice after the previously booked public announcement supplier pulled out.

How was it that you became involved?

I was already helping at the hospital radio station, presenting a weekly show.  I had been looking for ways to get more involved in the station, and when the secretary asked for volunteers to help organise the event, it seemed like an ideal opportunity.

What did you do and what did others do?

I took on the overall responsibility of preparing a converted ambulance for use as the outside broadcast “studio”.  This was key to the success of the whole event.  However, nobody else was very keen on this task as it was a lot of work.  I drew up a list of all the individual tasks that had to be done, and persuaded two other volunteers to help me.  As a team, we spent two whole weekends together tackling the work.  This included thoroughly cleaning the vehicle inside and out, which I found a very tiring and dirty task!  It was also necessary to cut and fit new benches into the back of the ambulance, and install the sound equipment.  These tasks involved moving heavy items which needed the three of us to work carefully together.  I then drove the ambulance to the hospital fete early on the day of the fete, and remained there throughout the day ensuring that there were no technical problems, and helping others with the broadcast.  Finally after the fete I helped clear up and pack away the equipment.

How was it decided how things were going to be done?

There was a meeting for all volunteers.  At this meeting we discussed the outstanding tasks, how they would be tackled, and who would do them.

What did you do to ensure that the team were able to get the result they wanted?

I took on the largest piece of work and persuaded others to help me, making sure that the work could be done by splitting up and sharing out the tasks.  By tackling the job of renovating the ambulance I ensured that the team was able to successfully undertake the outside broadcast.

What benefit did you see for yourself in what you did (if any?)

I wanted to become more closely involved in the running of the hospital radio station, and this activity gave me an opportunity to meet many of the other members.  When a post on the committee became vacant, I was successfully able to stand for election.

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