Group Interviews

So your interview is two days away and you’re nervous because you were told that it will be a group interview and you don’t know what to expect. For many job candidates, group interviews can be intimidating and nerve racking. To overcome this fear and embrace the group interview process one must understand the purposes of a group interview.  

What is a Group interview?

Group interviews involve bringing you into an interview with several other candidates who are contending for the same position. All candidates in the group are interviewed simultaneously. In this setting, Employers are assessing “skills” such as problem solving skills, communication skills and team work.  Employers can get a better insight on how you will handle any stressful situation that may arise. Types of group interviews formats usually consists of group discussions and activities. In this scenario, the candidates involved are either asked to solve a problem that is given or each candidate takes turns answering the same question. The idea is to make yourself stand out and memorable to the person conducting the interview. 

Where are Group Interviews used?

Group interviews are typically reserved for:

• High- stress fast paced environments
• Team oriented environment
• Heavy customer interaction

How to Ace a Group Interview

For people who are comfortable working in teams especially extroverts, group interviews may be easier to ace than the typical one and one. For quieter people who prefer working alone, here are some tips that can help you ace a group interview:

 

• Speak up. Be an active member in a group instead of an observer
• Be confident and not aggressive. Don’t try to undermine another candidate in effort to make yourself look better. This can appear unprofessional and uncooperative.
• Demonstrate that you are actively listening. Show your listening skills by paying attention to what others say during the interview and try not to repeat their responses.”
• Share the things that make you unique. Think about what sets you apart from the other candidates.
•  Prepare a few meaningful questions to ask at the end. Having a list of some insightful questions is an amazing chance to stand out from the other candidates.
• Research the company. Be a well-informed job candidate.

 

References:

https://www.jobinterviewtools.com/how-to-ace-a-group-interview/

https://biginterview.com/blog/2014/03/group-interview.html

                                                                                        ~Loraine DeCoteau