Group interviews are becoming increasingly common as employers seek to assess candidates’ teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
So upping your game (and your confidence!) could be crucial to find interview success.
Our employer partner, Spotlight Group Holdings, knows a lot about this!
They see group interviews as an exciting opportunity to see their future employees shine, whether working for Spotlight or one of their partner stores, Harris Scarfe, Mountain Designs and Anaconda.
With a range of in-store opportunities about to go live, Spotlight Group join us to share why employers hold group interviews, three things to do to stand out, and three things to avoid during the process.
By the end, you’ll feel confident and prepared to tackle any group interview that comes your way!
Why do Employers Hold Group Interviews?
While they might sound intense, group interviews benefit employers and potential employees.
They provide you with a chance to get a feel for the company and how they prioritise team dynamics. Employers also see how you handle meeting new people and what you can offer to a team environment.
Group interviews are a popular recruitment method for several reasons:
- Evaluating Teamwork: Many roles require collaboration and teamwork. By observing candidates in a group setting, employers can gauge how well individuals interact with others, communicate ideas, and contribute to a team dynamic.
- Efficiency: For employers with multiple candidates to interview, group interviews offer an efficient way to assess many applicants simultaneously. It helps save time and resources, allowing them to evaluate a larger pool of candidates in a shorter period.
- Problem-Solving Assessment: Group interviews often involve activities or discussions that test problem-solving abilities. Employers want to see how candidates handle challenges, resolve conflicts, and think critically in a team setting.
3 Things to Do at a Group Interview
Preparing for a group interview shouldn’t be too dissimilar to preparing for a one-to-one interview – and many group interviews will usually include a short one-to-one component.
But when preparing for the group tasks, there are definitely a few other things you should reflect on and prepare for. Below are the top three:
- Active Listening and Collaboration: Demonstrate your excellent listening skills by listening to what others say during group activities or discussions. Engage in thoughtful responses and build upon your peers’ ideas. Show that you can work collaboratively and respectfully with others.
- Showcase Leadership: While it’s essential to collaborate, be bold and take the initiative when appropriate. Volunteering to lead a group task or organising ideas can demonstrate your leadership abilities and confidence. If you notice someone is a bit left out or hasn’t had a chance to speak their ideas, invite them to participate.
- Be Prepared: Research the company beforehand and come equipped with questions and ideas about the job. This shows your enthusiasm and interest in the position. Also, practice common interview questions with friends or family to feel more comfortable expressing yourself during the interview.
3 Things Not to Do at a Group Interview
Just as there are things to be mindful of and try to showcase during your group interview, there are also a few things to steer clear of!
Here are things you should try not to do at your next group interview:
- Dominate the Conversation: While participating actively is essential, avoid dominating the discussion. Hogging the spotlight can make you appear overbearing and dismissive of others’ opinions. Remember, the goal is to showcase your ability to collaborate effectively.
- Disregard Others’ Opinions: Respect the ideas and viewpoints of your fellow candidates. Even if you disagree, be polite and open to different perspectives. Employers are looking for candidates who can work well with diverse teams.
- Let Nerves Get the Best of You: It’s natural to feel nervous during an interview but try not to let it overpower your performance. Take deep breaths, maintain good posture, and remember that everyone else is likely feeling nervous too. Focus on your preparation and the value you can bring to the team.
Ready to Nail Your Next Opportunity?
Group interviews can be an excellent opportunity to showcase your skills and attributes to potential employers.
Remember: a group interview is a chance to shine individually while demonstrating your ability to be an effective team player. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to ace any group interview that comes your way and take one step closer to landing your dream job.
Good luck!
