“The Importance of Teamwork Skills in Work and School” on Rasmussen College, March 8, 2018.
Teamwork skills in a career
“In software development and technology fields, the ability to collaborate and work as a team is critical a project’s success,” says Alan Zucker, founding principal of Project Management Essentials LLC. Zucker points out that two of the bigger trends in technology today—Agile and DevOps—both depend on teamwork in their core philosophy.
In this environment, team members interact constantly. “Research has shown that these small, collaborative teams are highly effective,” Zucker says. “Agile projects are, on average, three times more likely to be successful than traditional projects.”
The success of these models is likely to lead to a wider implementation of teamwork-dependent projects across many industries. Zucker says applicants who can demonstrate teamwork skills are more likely to land their jobs. “The ability to work with customers or other team members is a critical soft skill.”
Leveraging teamwork skills in the job hunt
The tricky thing about a job application and interview process is knowing how to represent your strengths and experiences. Our sources agree that an individual with excellent teamwork skills is an attractive candidate for most positions. But how do you showcase those soft skills to your potential employers?
“A common interview question is ‘Tell me about a time when you worked on a team,’” Zucker says. “Many students will talk about a group or team project.” If the project involved challenges, such as coordination difficulties or frustrating team members, your response to the problem is a good focal point to talk about. Zucker emphasizes that these challenges are also common in the workplace.
“The ability to work with others, which demonstrates high emotional intelligence, is a skill that transcends specific environments. So if you were the leader of a club or team and brought people together for the common good, then you have the experience,” Zucker says.