Group interviews are inherently a little nerve-racking. Not only do you have to impress the interviewer, but you have to handle the stress of public speaking.
This can make the event a bit daunting for many candidates. So, if you’re worried about your next meeting, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll walk you through some of the best group interview tips. We’ll also cover how to follow up afterward and what to wear.
Why Do Employers Use Group Interviews?
Group examinations are becoming more popular as time goes on. There are a few different reasons that make this one of the most common types of interviews.
First off, they’re far more efficient than individual interviews. Since employers can test multiple candidates at a time, it’ll speed up the hiring process.
That means a company can meet more applicants and find the perfect fit for the position.
For that reason, group interviews are also cost-effective. Hiring managers don’t need to spend valuable resources on a lengthy applicant hunt.
That’s why many companies choose this style of interview for a customer service agent job search. It allows them to find a suitable candidate and test them at the same time.
Group settings will also help applicants show off their communication skills.
What Are Employers Looking For in Group Interviews?
Each company will have different requirements for its applicants. Yet, there are a few traits that most employers will keep an eye out for.
First and foremost, they want to see positive interactions with others. Interviewers will want to know that you can handle working in a team.
In addition, that’ll help them gauge your communication skills.
Once they map everyone’s behavior, they’ll begin the search for standout candidates. Employers will spend time looking for specific attributes.
For example, they’ll test your ability to interact with tough clients.
Finally, interviewers check to see if applicants have leadership qualities. This will make picking a favorite candidate much easier.
What to Expect in a Group Interview
Now that you know what the employer is looking for, we can move on to candidate expectations. Let’s dive into what a typical group interview looks like.
How Long Is a Group Interview?
The duration of a group meeting can vary greatly. It’ll depend on the number of applicants and the question format.
Typically, it can last anywhere between 30 minutes and a few hours. Although, that doesn’t mean you’ll spend all that time in the interview chair.
Instead, the process involves a lot of waiting periods. You’ll have to give each job applicant a chance to present their skills and show off what they are capable of.
That’s why it’s best to clear out around three or four hours of your schedule for the interview. If this presents an issue, you can call the human resources department.
An agent there should be able to give you a general timeline for the meeting.
What Should You Wear to a Group Interview?
For the most part, applicants should treat these evaluations just like traditional ones. That means they’ll need to wear appropriate attire for group interviews.
For a male candidate, it’s best to start with a clean shirt, tie, and a pair of formal pants. In addition, you can wear a suit jacket during the winter.
As for a female job seeker, the best outfit is a sharp blouse with a pencil skirt.
While picking out your interview attire, avoid any loud colors or flashy fabrics. When in doubt, white, black, and navy blue are the shades to go for.
That way, you’ll look much more professional during the meeting.
What Questions Are Asked in a Group Interview?
The question-and-answer portion of a group interview is arguably the most intense section. The process will be slightly different depending on the interviewer.
However, there are many common group interview questions you may get.
A few examples of these include:
- What are your top three greatest strengths and weaknesses?
- What makes you think you’ll be a good fit for the position?
- What would you do to improve the current workflow routine?
- How did you hear about the vacancy and why did you apply?
- How do you see your career advancing in the next five years?
The best part about these questions is that there’s no wrong answer. As long as you give your replies plenty of thought, anything you have to add is more than welcome.
The point is to show off how you handle yourself under pressure.
Group Interview Tips
With the basics out of the way, we can jump into some helpful tips for group interviews. Here’s what you can do to improve your odds of landing the job.
How Do You Prepare for a Group Interview?
The first step of this process is the interview preparation stage. How ready you are can make or break the meeting.
So, to get off on the right foot, you’ll need to do plenty of research. Start by collecting as much information on the company as possible.
Check the online website and you can even contact human resources for more data.
While you’re doing that, figure out who will be interviewing you. This will give you a chance to tailor your answers to the examiner.
Other than that, it’s a good idea to compile a question list of your own. Write down any queries you may have about the job description or position duties.
Some applicants also like to ask about compensation and work schedule.
Once that’s done, turn your attention to your resume. Polish up any missing data and customize it to work for the specific job you’re applying to.
Lastly, you’ll need to practice your communication and interpersonal skills. Find a friend that’s willing to spend a little time asking you standard questions.
This can help soothe your nerves and make you seem more confident.
How Do You Stand Out in a Group Interview?
There are many tricks you can try to stand out in a group job interview. In this section, we’ll walk you through what to do before, during, and after the meeting.
Before a Group Interview
For starters, it’s always a good idea to arrive early to the meeting. This will give you a chance to get to know your competitors and the environment.
As you walk in, be sure to have a warm, friendly smile on your face. In addition, before you sit down, go around the room and greet everyone there.
That includes the interviewer and your fellow candidates.
After that, you can move on to a short introduction. Begin by telling everyone your name and some of your previous work experiences.
While you do that, it’s crucial that you project your voice and speak with confidence.
During a Group Interview
Once the introductions are out of the way, the interview can start.
Typically, the first thing job candidates will do is share their strengths. During this section, be yourself and let your personality shine through.
More often than not, doing so is what will help you land the job.
Moving on, as the interviewer asks questions, try answering first every once in a while. This will show that you’re confident and have what it takes to do the job.
Other than that, remember that there are other applicants there. So, be respectful of everyone and listen to what they have to say before you respond.
It may also be a good idea to involve everyone in your replies to questions.
Last, but certainly not least, you have to be aware of your body language. Make plenty of eye contact and keep your hand gestures relaxed.
After a Group Interview
To make sure the interviewer won’t soon forget you, it’s best to email them straight away. Within the first 24 hours after the meeting, send a thank-you letter.
For the best results, include part of a conversation you had to help the interviewer remember you.
After that, you’ll need to wait around five to seven business days to reach out again. At that point, you can send an email asking if there’s any news regarding the position.
What Should You Not Do in a Group Interview?
Now that you know what to do in a group interview, we can move on to what not to do.
Dominate the Conversation
There’s nothing worse than a job seeker that has a problem sharing the floor. Interrupting fellow candidates or not allowing them to speak will cause some issues.
First of all, this will make the interviewer’s job much more difficult. They’ll have to spend time mediating and making sure everyone is getting a fair shot.
Other than that, it’s a sign of bad teamwork skills. That means cutting people off may hurt an applicant’s chances of getting a position.
Put Others Down
There’s never a good reason to tear any of your fellow applicants apart. This is especially true when you’re all sitting in front of an interviewer.
To avoid looking insecure, focus on standing out and forget about your competitors.
- Be Too Timid: Just because you’re giving everyone a chance to speak doesn’t mean that you should be quiet. It’s crucial that you’re a part of the conversation and are able to express yourself freely.
- Be Fake: Being honest is the key to a successful interview. There’s no point in selling an employer on a fake attitude or skill set. It’s much better if you spend your time exploring what you can offer to the company.
- Be Too Informal: Even though other people are present, being too informal is never an option. You want to show everyone around you that you respect them and their time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Should Somebody Prepare for a Group Interview on Zoom?
The trick to a successful Zoom group interview is to treat it like a traditional meeting. That means the preparation process is almost identical.
The only difference is that you have to check on the app. Before the interview, make sure Zoom and your internet aren’t facing any issues.
How Do You Stick Out in a Group?
The easiest way to stand out in a group is to be friendly and inviting. That will ensure the interviewer keeps coming back to you with new questions.
Wrapping Up
Before you head out to your meeting, there are a few group interview tips you should be aware of.
For starters, you have to prepare for the event sufficiently. Begin by doing plenty of research and brushing up on your communication skills.
Other than that, present a friendly smile and an inviting demeanor. It’s also a good idea to arrive early.
Besides that, avoid common pitfalls like being too informal or putting others down.
If you have any more questions about group interviews, please leave a comment.
