Group interviews are a dynamic and insightful component of the recruitment process, offering a unique glimpse into an applicant's ability to work as part of a team. Whether you're a first-timer or looking to polish your interview skills, these tips will help you stand out in a group setting.
Group interviews provide quick and effective information about applicants and their teamwork skills. Group interviews can be used at all stages of the recruitment process and can involve both people who are applying for the same job or a different role. Barona’s Recruiting Consultant Anne Juusola provides tips on how you can prepare for a group interview in advance and how to act in a group interview.
Prepare in advance
Prepare for a group interview as well as you would for an individual interview. Check your CV and application details and take them with you (printed or electronic) to the interview as a backup and give them to the recruiter if necessary. You can also have your own CV with you in the interview if it supports you.
"Make sure you know in advance who could be your referee(s)."
Also review the job advertisement once again and consider how your competence meets the required criteria and wishes. If the employer company is mentioned, visit its website or social media channels, for example.
Prepare your own elevator speech
Prepare your own elevator speech. What are your strengths for the position you are applying for? What do you want to develop? What would you like to ask the recruiter? Remember to be yourself – you don't have to pretend to be anything other than who you are. The recruiter's professional skill is to observe different people and their own strengths in a group interview.
“Also pay attention to your body language.”
Even if you are quieter verbally, you can highlight your own activity in the group, for example by sitting in a focused position, paying attention to other interviewees’ comments (nodding, smiling) and being present in the interview situation.
Pay attention to the other members of your group
In a group interview, a group task can be given that must be completed within the given time. The recruiter uses the task to investigate the interviewees’ teamwork skills and ability to withstand stress. At this point, 1–2 leaders often emerge in the group to advance the task. From the recruiter’s point of view, any member of the group who is able to demonstrate their ability to act and take other members of the group into account when performing the task can succeed in the group work task. If you are applying for a position where customer service skills are desired, pay attention to your voice and how you treat the other members of the group.
“Think about how you would pay attention to customers – pay the same attention to the other members of your group.”
Ask for and give feedback
At the end of the group interview, it is always a good idea to let the recruiter know if you are interested in other jobs and opportunities. You can also contact the recruiter afterwards if you want to know how you did in the group interview. You should always accept an invitation to a group interview. Don't make unnecessary assumptions about what kind of talent is being sought.
“The most important thing is to arrive to the interview with an open mind because you might be the perfect candidate for the client company!”
The group interview should also leave a positive feeling for all participants, so if something remains unclear after the interview, feel free to give feedback to the recruiters as well. This also enables us to develop our applicant experience.