Group interviews exist not only to test your own personal skills and capability, but also to examine your demeanour in a team setting. We all know there isn’t I in team; however, a selfish person who is great at their job will be more of a complication than help for the business in the long term. Human resources and other business leaders have started placing more and more candidates who are a cultural fit. As everyone knows that a cultural fit goes hand in hand with employee engagement levels.
Given that, a toxic hire often has a massive negative ripple effect throughout a business/organisation. Employers want to make sure that they're hiring people who will fit in personality wise but also skill wise. If you have a group interview coming up, make sure that you consider these no-no’s whilst shaping your approach.
- Don’t admit an early defeat.
Standing out from a crowd can be difficult most of the time, especially within a group interview. Group interviews often are likely to have a range of different personality types within, each individual will have their own ways of doing things; their own views and their own opinions. If you know you’ll struggle to cut through the noise in a group setting, don’t throw your hands up in defeat. Your nerves will be fighting against you, but a group interview is the best opportunity to challenge yourself and beat your nerves, so embrace it!
Interviewers want to see whether you have persistence, dedication and hunger for success. You need to bring a lot of energy into a group interview & make sure that you keep your eyes on the prize. You can get through this round; you’ll be a whole lot better within interview settings.
- Don’t go in underprepared.
Being able to offer contributions throughout a group activity and conversation largely comes down to preparation. Just because group interviews generally involve impromptu team activities, make sure that you don’t undermine yourself by going in ill-prepared.
Make sure that you still research the company, the role and brush up on any relevant skills, using the job description as a guide. Even though it’s not a typical interview; make sure that you prepare the same as a one-to-one interview. Treat the group interview as somewhere you can showcase your interests and suitability for this role, even if it only the first round.
When it comes to interviewing in competitive industries, every moment counts!
- Don’t play it safe.
Group interviews are not the place to be tip-toeing around on eggshells. If the interviewer asks you a question, don’t be the one who shies away from the limelight & let others take the centre-stage. Employers want to hire visionaries and problem solvers who can add great value to their business. This is the time to give yourself an extra boost of confidence and just go for it!
- Don’t be a know-it-all.
There is always that one person in an interview who tries to stand out from the crowd in the worst possible way. Whether it’s by hogging the question time, dictating group presentations or showing off their expertise during inappropriate times.
Don’t be afraid to take a managerial / organisation role in a team, just make sure that you listen to everyone’s points of view and showcase your ability to lead people, not squash them.
If you’ve got yourself a group interview, Congratulations! Now it’s time to do everything in your power to make sure that you leave a lasting impression.
