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Group interviews are one of the more difficult assessment styles companies use today. Their nature dictates a different selection of questions, as the interviewer/interviewee relationship is skewed.
Different to a panel interview, this is where the applicants outnumber the interviewers. It allows companies to get through many prospects in a short time, as well as explore some of your interpersonal skills.
The interviewer or interviewers can ask the group questions or split everyone up for quick one-on-one interviews. Still, often it will include a group task of some sort. These are fantastic for you, a candidate, as it is the perfect opportunity to show how well you work as a team member and a leader - precisely because this is exactly what they are looking for.
Why do companies use group interviews?
Companies utilize group interviews for various reasons. Firstly, they offer an efficient way to evaluate multiple candidates simultaneously, saving time and resources. This is particularly beneficial when there is a large pool of applicants to screen.
Additionally, group interviews enable employers to directly compare candidates side by side, observing their interactions, communication skills, and performance in a group setting. It provides valuable insights into their teamwork, leadership potential, and interpersonal abilities.
This form of interview allows employers to assess candidates' collaboration and problem-solving skills, which are often crucial for many roles that require teamwork. The diverse backgrounds and perspectives of candidates in a group setting can enrich discussions and provide different insights into decision-making processes.
We've written an article for those who want to read more about the how-to's and the why's of a group interview.
Group interviews also serve as an opportunity to test candidates under stress or high-pressure situations. Employers can create challenging scenarios to evaluate how candidates handle stress, pressure, and conflict. This assessment helps gauge their resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving capabilities.
From a cost-effectiveness standpoint, conducting a single group interview with multiple candidates can be more economical compared to scheduling individual interviews for each candidate.
In a group interview, employers can assess candidates' communication skills, active listening, and ability to effectively articulate their thoughts and ideas. Interactions within the group setting provide valuable insights into how candidates engage with others, express themselves, and respond to different viewpoints.
Group interviews also help employers assess the cultural fit of candidates. By observing candidates in a group setting, they can evaluate how well individuals align with the company's culture and values. This assessment helps identify candidates likely to thrive within the existing team dynamics and work environment.
They offer a comprehensive assessment of candidates' skills, abilities, and fit within the organization. They enable employers to make informed decisions when selecting the most suitable candidates for the job.
Does the job application require an interview via video? Read here to make it a successful one!
How are group interviews conducted?
They'll be looking for someone who will fit into their work environment, and if the role is particularly stressful or demanding, the task might also be a way to show how you can cope with it. During the exercise, if you remember what the interviewers are looking for, it will be easy to grab the opportunities to show how suited you are to the role.
For instance, if your group is required to give a final presentation, there are many ways to demonstrate your leadership and teamwork. Suggesting how to divide up your findings, offering to start or wrap it up, and talking directly and comfortably to your interviewers can all help show that you are a sensitive worker with excellent communication skills.
Group interviews of this style focus on finding candidates who can handle the essential role and adapt and work well with people they've never met. The theory is that if you can do that on the day of the interview, you'll do it just as well - if not better - in their work environment.
Approach it with cool confidence, don't overdo anything. Show you can lead the situation, but don't overpower anyone. Include and listen to everyone, but don't get yourself drowned out. It's all about balance.
It would be best to act like an actable leader as soon as you enter the room. That is to say, you need to use your manners, get to know your peers, speak loudly and clearly, bring the group together and focus on the objective. You want to get noticed but for the right reasons. Leave them thinking: 'I would love to work with them'.
Here's how to ace your telephone interview!
Frequently asked questions
The structure of group interviews varies greatly from company to company and from position to position. You'll almost certainly have to answer some questions, just as in a regular interview. There will be standard interview questions along the lines of:
- 'What makes you suited to this role?
- 'What is your greatest strength/weakness?',
- 'Where do you see yourself in 10 years'?',
- etc.
They might ask the group at large, wander through and ask you personally, or in a small individual interview. But as with the general theme of a group interview, you'll most probably have to talk about teamwork.
Performing tasks
If there's a task, they may well focus the questions on that. This means you must pay close attention to all aspects of the assignment - you'll have to show you understood and learned from what happened. Questions such as:
- 'How well did the group work as a team?',
- 'How successful were you?',
- 'What did you bring to the team?'.
Don't make anything up or pretend it went better than it did - tell it like it was, and be truthful. They were there and know what happened, so show them what you thought of it. If it was a total trainwreck, tell them how you would have done it differently or where you felt the problem was. If it went well, prove why you succeeded, and show them how you can give their company those same successful habits.
Keep the focus on yourself.
When surrounded by a group of people directly competing with you for the same role, it can be hard to detach yourself from the desire to one-up your fellows. However, it would be best if you focused on yourself. Don't, under any circumstance, fall into the trap of trying to throw the other candidates under the bus.
Find out how to conduct a successful interview over Skype.
Working with them efficiently and easily will make the best impression. Any attempt to dominate - or equally, fade away in - the group is a surefire way to write off your chances completely.
Despite all this, the best thing you can do for yourself is enter the room calmly and confidently. You must show the interviewers your teamwork and communication skills, leadership qualities and adaptability. Enjoy the task if there is one, and pay attention to everything during the proceedings.
The people interviewing you may be your coworkers and superiors, so treat them as such. The modern work environment is increasingly based on teams, so demonstrate why they should choose you over the rest. You won't have long, but building positive and friendly relationships as quickly as possible will do wonders for your chances. Good luck, and as ever, don't forget to smile!
Now you know what to do in a group interview. But do you know what not to do in one?
Post by Matt Boland
Matt is a student at Sheffield University with a passion for writing, science, technology and the environment.
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