Group interviews can be a daunting experience. Even if you are happy in a one-on-one setting, group interviews often present extra challenges that can catch candidates out. Group interviews are becoming more and more common in the corporate world and employers are using them more frequently. Group interviews often give employers an insight to how a candidate may work with a team. Group interviews can tell employers useful information about their potential candidates but also put interviewees under pressure that they might not necessarily feel if they were in a one on one environment. We have put together a very simple guide to help you thrive in a group setting when being interviewed, a few simple little things to help you stand out among other interviewees:
Three C’s
Group interviews may involve working with multiple interviewers, interviewees or perhaps both. Don’t worry, many of the skills that are required to ace a one-on-one interview can be applied here even though there is a slight shift in the atmosphere now that there are multiple people thrown in the mix. Stay positive, speak clearly, be confident in yourself and your own capabilities you wouldn’t have secured a position for an interview if the employer or hiring manager did not think that you were up to standard. One thing to be aware of when you are participating in a group interview is your own body language. Subconsciously our body language can alter when we are put in high pressure situations. That’s why it is important to remain cool, calm & collected.
Network
If you do happen to feel intimidated by the idea of a group interview, try not to let it show. Keep your composure. Avoid treating the other interviewees in the room as your competitors, it’s likely that they are feeling the same pressure that you are. Instead, take this opportunity to show the employer your networking skills and capabilities. Be polite and friendly, get to know people in the room. This could work to your advantage at a later stage. Casting your memory back to conversations you had with interviewees while waiting for the interview to commence may help you form a thoughtful, complete answer to an interview question. It also gives you an opportunity to become familiar with people’s names, which could also be deemed as impressive by the interviewer demonstrating your leadership skills and qualities.
Listen then Speak
During a group interview, you need to be aware of your opportunity to speak. Since there are a number of interviewees, you need to be time conscious. You may not get as much time to speak as you would in a one-on-one interview. Be concise and truthful with your answers. Remember a conversation is a two way street, be cautious of taking over the conversation, this could ultimately result in the end of road for you.
Showing that you are capable of listening to other individuals is a skill that is just as important as being able to speak up and give your view on certain situations. It displays skills that are required when working on a team based project. It also stops you from repeating an answer that another person has already mentioned because you were not paying attention to what they were saying. Which is what interviewers will be looking out for in group interviews. It is important to strike the balance between listening and speaking, that is both respectful to others and memorable. The more that you say in a group interview in the least amount of time will enable you to make a great impression. Try and be inclusive in the interview, address everyone there in one way or another. If one of the interviewers remains more silent than the others try and make an effort to engage with them also, making some eye contact with them is a good method of doing this.
Be Mindful
Throughout the process of a group interview there is a lot going on, and I can completely understand that there are a hundred things racing through your mind in to make sure you nail that interview. However, it’s important to remain mindful. Don’t let basic politeness and pleasantries fail you in the midst of it all. Some candidates tend to get so swept up in the interview process that they start to let themselves down on simple tasks and they seem to forget their basic courtesies.
Be yourself, be confident that you are the right person for the position and emphasise the strengths that apply to you. Don’t concentrate on trying to out do the other interviewees but let your skill set and experience speak for themselves. This will contribute towards you securing the job no matter what sort of interview you face along the way.
If you are currently on the hunt for a new career path, our expert recruitment consultants at Red Chair Recruitment can help you find the perfect role. Browse our job listings that we have on our website and see what one fits you.