Question: Describe a time when you consciously chose not to help a coworker. Why did you not help?

Alternative Question Phrasing:

Describe a time you chose to not help a teammate.

Follow-up questions:

Did the team mate ask you to explain them the reason for not helping out?
If it was a new member in the team who needed same help, what would your response be?

Question Details:

Question Type:

Behavioral

Skills:

Management of Personnel Resources,Social – Coordination (Adjusting one’s own actions in relation to others),Social – Rapport Buiding/Relating and Connecting with others,Social – Service Orientation (Customer Service/Focus)

Abilities:

Cognitive – Deductive Reasoning,Cognitive – Problem Sensitivity (Problem Recognition)

Other Factors:

Big 5 – Agreeableness,Personality-Team Fit

Work Activity (Task):

Information Input – Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events,Interacting with Others – Assigning Tasks to Others (Delegation and Direction),Interacting with Others – Assisting and Caring for Others,Interacting with Others – Coaching and Developing Others,Interacting with Others – Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others,Interacting with Others – Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others (Conflict Management),Mental Processes – Judging the Value of Things, Services, or People

Work Style (Person-Job Fit):

Approachability,Assertiveness/Courage,Compassion/Concern for Others,Dependability,Human Equity (Opposite of Discrimination)

Question Frequency

Question Difficulty

What to look for in an answer:

Look if the employee knows the importance of team work and at the same time letting other team members grow.

Red Flags to Watch For:

If the employee shows grudges and decides not to help for personal reasons. If the employee is worried only about their individual tasks and not care about the team.

Sample Answer:

N/A

Question Source: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/top-interview-questions-and-answers