Embedded Files
By Winnie Ayero | 17 June 2022
Continuing with our fortnightly series on types of interviews, today we will look at group interviews. Unlike other interviews where it’s one interviewee talking to a panel of interviewers or an individual, group interviews involve multiple interviewees being interviewed in a group or groups.
According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) a group interview is an interview technique in which several candidates are interviewed simultaneously for similar positions.
The standard interview tips still apply but there’s more to a group interview than a typical one to one or one to many interview. Group interviews test how you interact with other people and may be organized around tasks. For instance a group may be asked to solve a problem.
Another scenario is being split into teams where you discuss assigned topics and then present to the whole group. While interviewers observe and assess participation and interaction focusing on skills like communication, persuasion, leadership, organization, planning, analysis, problem-solving and decision-making.
Interviewers usually watch to see if you contribute to and participate in discussions, are you too shy? Too assertive? Do you help to move the discussion forward? Do you acknowledge and speak with others with respect or you’re dismissive of other people’s input? Are you knowledgeable? Do you help the group to reach consensus? Are you alert and engaged or aloof? These are some of the things they may observe and judge you on in a group interview.
Talking too much may work against you. Yes, you want to be engaged and participate and contribute but you know what they say: too much of anything is always bad. Yes, even too much of a good thing may become a problem. Encouraging quiet people to participate may reflect well on you as it shows that you are concerned about others and would potentially make a good leader. Acknowledge the contribution of others and if possible connect your input to theirs. This shows that you are a good listener and a team player.
Listen both to other interviewees and the interviewers as much as possible and make eye contact during the interview. Watch your body language to ensure that you do not give off any unintended signals. Communication is only 7% what you say, 38% non-verbal/para-lingual (mood, tone, etc) and a whole 55% body language. Sit upright, make eye contact, be mindful of your facial expressions. Make sure your non-verbal expressions and body language convey positive messages.
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive weekly publications on career related topics delivered directly to your email inbox with a notification on LinkedIn.
For professional career services, contact us at:
hello@greatfirstimpressioncv.com | +256 708 791 726 (calls, sms, WhatsApp)
This article is also published in the GFI Newsletter on LinkedIn
Report abuse