How to Ace a Group Interview

Group interviews can involve multiple candidates and interviewers.

While one-on-one interviews can be stressful enough, add in a few more candidates and interviewers and the situation becomes even more nerve-wracking. Group interviews are used by companies to interview multiple candidates for one position at the same time. Usually there is also more than one interviewer representing the company and the company group can include a human resources representative or current employees. Though group interviews can be daunting, with preparation and confidence you

can ace the interview and hopefully get the job.

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Instructions

- 1
  
  Research the company and the job before the interview. This is necessary for any interview, but especially for a group interview where you'll need to try to be more knowledgeable than the other candidates.
- 2
  
  Prepare for work-related group exercises. Interviewers may ask the group to work together to solve a hypothetical problem. Because this usually involves brainstorming and teamwork, interviewers will be observing how candidates respond to problems, how they work with others and who takes charge as a leader. If you are not a natural leader, be sure to be an active member of the group by suggesting ideas and possible solutions.
- 3
  
  Introduce yourself to the other candidates. According to the Best Job Interview Web site, candidates will be observed at all times, so be sure to be polite and friendly to everyone you meet.
- 4
  
  Stay positive throughout the interview. In group problem solving, avoid forcing your opinion on others or being stubborn. Target the problem without being aggressive, listen to the input of others and give praise to other candidates when appropriate. Show interviewers how well you can work in a team environment.
- 5
  
  Prepare questions for the interviewers about the job and the company. Avoid questions that could easily be answered on the company Web site, or questions about benefits such as vacation time. Insightful questions could include asking what an average day would be like in the job, what the interviewers enjoy most about working for this company and if there is room for growth in the company. You could also ask about the main responsibilities of the job, as well as the company's ideal candidate for the job.

Tips & Warnings

Stay confident throughout the interview, without coming across as arrogant.
Send a thank-you note through email or even snail mail to each person you interviewed with after the interview.
Avoid taking over the group in an attempt to seem like a good leader. Don't interrupt other candidates or dominate the conversation.