Group Job Interviews

Many employers use a group interview as part of the recruitment and selection process. A typical group interview consists of around 7-12 candidates who take part in a range of tasks whilst being observed by people from the company. 

Group interviews are useful when the employer is hiring several people for the same role, there are a large number of applicants or if team work and networking skills are important to the role. 

Some employers may choose candidates directly from the group interview to employ or use it to select candidates to invite to another interview. 

Before the interview 

Group interviews will take place either at the company headquarters or in the case of a smaller business they may hire a venue. Don’t worry you will be told where to go and when beforehand. 

You should ensure you dress appropriately. For a corporate job or a company that is known to have a formal dress code, it is probably best to wear smart business attire. If the company has a relaxed dress code you could get away with smart casual. Remember if in doubt its best to be overdressed than underdressed. 

It is likely you will be waiting with the other candidates in either the reception or the interview room.You should introduce yourself and start up a conversation. This is to show the interviewers that you have good networking skills and that you can communicate well with others.

During the interview 

• Be polite, friendly and respectful to everyone. 
• Listen carefully to any instructions you are given. 
• Do not take a back seat however do not take over the activity either. 
• Encourage group members who are not taking part to contribute.
• Remember you will be being observed by staff from the moment you walk into the moment you leave.

Group Interview Activities 

You should do some research beforehand to try to identify what activities this particular company uses at group interviews. This information may be available on their own website or on independent recruitment websites. 

• Icebreakers 
• Prepare a poster or presentation 
• Puzzles 
• Problem solving activities 
• Written tasks 
• Group discussion 
• Role play 
• Practical activity i.e build something or make something 

How to stand out during a group interview 

Introduce yourself. It is likely you will be asked to introduce yourself to the rest of the group and perhaps tell everyone about yourself. Have a short introduction prepared which focuses on your current employment/academic position. The employer does not want to hear about your boyfriend/girlfriend, your pet cat or where you go on holiday. 

Demonstrate your leadership ability. Be supportive during group activities, help coordinate tasks and suggest ideas. However, be careful not to take over the interview. Make sure other people get a chance to have their say and encourage any shy candidates to contribute their views. 

Mind your manners. It can be very easy to forget about good manners when your mind is focused on giving your best performance, answering questions and handling job interview nerves. However, interviewers to keep an eye out for candidates who are courteous, respectful and professional to the staff and other candidates. Remember to say please and thank you, help pass around any paper or equipment that is handed out, hold doors open for other people and thank the interviewers for their time at the end of the interview. 

Be a good listener. Being a good listener is just as important as being a good speaker. Show an interest in what the other candidates are saying and pick up key points to contribute to. 

Absolutely avoid standing out for the wrong reasons. Do not turn up late, answer your phone during the interview, be rude or say anything inappropriate. 

After the interview

The employer will let you know what the next steps are in the recruitment process. There may be further rounds of interviews or the employer will select the candidates based solely on the group interview. 

Some companies may contact you via phone or email to let you know if you have been successful or not. Other companies may tell you that successful applicants will be contacted by a certain date and if you are not contacted you should assume you have not been successful on this occasion.