All About Group Interviews

All About Group Interviews What to Expect in Group Interviews How do group interviews work? They generally involve getting together with other job candidates to meet with one or more interviewers. An increasing number of companies use this type of interview to screen out unsuitable job applicants and it is important to know what to expect. Usually this interview involves a number of interviewers - potential managers or supervisors, human resources, even future co-workers - and a group of candidates all together in one room. This type of interview can take a number of different forms. What is a group interview? In its most basic form the group interview consists of a presentation, by the employer, to the candidates about the company and position. Generally there will be a question and answer session after the presentation. These simple interviews serve two purposes. Information is given to all the candidates in an economical and time-saving manner.It also gives the interviewers an opportunity to conduct an initial screening of the candidates as they observe the candidates' behavior and interaction with each other, their communication skills and the impression they make.Group interview activitiesGroup interviews can be more involved than just a presentation. candidates may be required to participate in work-simulation exercises and activitiesthese can take the form of group problem-solving sessions where each candidate's contribution and participation is noteddiscussion groups take a similar form.other activities include splitting the candidates into teams where each team is given a work-related task to complete. Each team then presents their results to the whole group During these team exercises the interviewers closely watch and listen to the candidates. They also ask questions of individual candidate s and take notes. Questions for Group InterviewsWhat are employers looking for in candidates?The skills and behaviors observed include: communication and interpersonal ability persuasiveness and the ability to influence others leadership and delegation organizational and planning skills the ability to work and contribute as a team member Other observable behaviors include: the ability to handle stressto deal with feedback and give feedback to analyze and problem-solveLevels of individual knowledge are also noted.Sometimes the situational exercise is not work related. Candidates are given a controversial hypothetical situation, such as deciding how to choose who to save from a sinking boat. These type of exercises cause a lot of discussion and argument and interviewers will observe how people interact, influence and reach decisions. How to stand out in group interviews Before you begin the interview introduce yourself politely to the other candidates. You will be observed from the word go.It is important to be seen as an active participant rather than merely an observer. Contribute your views and ideas while also listening to the other candidates.Appear confident but avoid coming across as aggressive. Avoid dominating the conversation and don't interrupt the other candidates.Make sure that you take criticism and give feedback constructively.Give praise when possible and acknowledge valuable contributions from other candidates.Avoid obvious power conflicts as these will make you appear uncooperative and unprofessional. Stay calm under pressure. Be aware of your body language. This is something that will be carefully observed. Make sure you are sending the right non-verbal message with your interview body language With many candidates all trying to contribute, someone may make your point first. If this happens, think of a statement that adds to this point. This demonstrates that you listen actively and think on your feet.Prepare meaningful questions to ask. You will be asked at some point if you have any questions and you will stand out from the other candidates if you have a list of insightful interview questions to askDo background research on the company before your interview. Find out how to conduct meaningful interview preparation and stand out as a well-informed and prepared job candidate. Send interview thank you letters to each interviewer as soon as possible afterwards.Follow this advice and your job interview experience will be a positive one. You will stand out as a mature, confident and competent candidate. What questions are asked in group interviews? Be ready for the group interview questions you will face in this type of interview.Fun group interview questionsGroup interview tipsView these expert group interview tips and techniques and make the right impression in your interview.