What is a group interview? Everything you should know

A hiring manager calls to let you know that you’ve got an interview. but it will be with multiple candidates at the same time—a group interview. You might be thinking, “Wait, what is a group interview?” 

If you find yourself in this position, don’t worry. This guide will show you what you need to know, including what a group interview is and how you can prepare to stand out from the crowd.

What is a group interview for a job?

As you might suspect, a group interview is one where an employer interviews multiple candidates at the same time. A group interview can range anywhere from 2 to 10 or more candidates, and may involve more than one interviewer. 

Companies may host these group interviews on-site in conference rooms or other large meeting spaces, or they may conduct them virtually.

Why do employers set up group interviews?

Group interviews can save time, since they allow employers to screen multiple candidates at once. They’re also helpful in industries that hire many seasonal or part-time employees, such as food service and hospitality. At the end of those interviews, employers may choose multiple candidates to hire.

Even if a company is only looking for a single employee, group interviews can still be useful. They allow employers to witness how you interact with others in a social setting. It gives them a chance to see how you use your soft skills to collaborate with others.

When you’re given a group interview, it can be helpful to ask yourself, “What is a group interview’s purpose for this employer?” Understanding their goals for the group interview will help you to shape your approach.

Types of group interviews

Typically, these interviews just involve candidates answering traditional interview questions in a group setting. But you may also encounter these other types of group interviews:

Group discussion

An interviewer may throw out a topic for discussion, and the group will discuss or debate it together. Employers will be looking for candidates who display leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.

Group problem-solving exercise or activity

In some group interviews, candidates may work together on a problem, task, or activity. These exercises test your ability to work as part of a team and solve problems under pressure.

Panel interview

This type of group interview involves a panel of interviewers asking questions to the candidates. It allows different people to assess each candidates’ communication, confidence, and ability to stand out in a group setting.

Mixed-format group interview

A group interview can also involve more than one of these formats. For example, you may start in a group setting before moving into individual interviews with a hiring manager or panel.

Group interview example questions

Group interviews often focus on questions related to communication, teamwork, and problem solving. Here are some questions you might get in your next group interview, with sample answers to help you prepare:

1. Can you tell the group about yourself?

This common question often starts a group interview. It gives everyone a chance to say a few words about their background and experience. Use this opportunity to highlight one or two of your unique selling points to differentiate yourself from everyone else in the group.

2. In this group, who would you recommend hiring and why?

Employers don’t ask this question to make things awkward. Instead, they want to observe how well you listen to others and retain information. As you interact with other candidates or listen to their answers, pay close attention so that you’re prepared if this question comes up later.

3. Why should we hire you instead of the other candidates here?

This question gives you a chance to make a persuasive case for hiring you. Focus on the experience or skills that make you unique. Speak confidently about your strengths, but make sure that you don’t put the other candidates down in your answer.

4. How do you handle disagreements or conflict on a team project?

For this question, employers are looking for evidence of how you’ve handled past conflicts in a team setting. Your answer should highlight your emotional intelligence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Provide a clear example of a time when you helped a group get past a disagreement.

5. What skills do you think are most important for this job, and how do you plan to use them in the role?

An interviewer asks this question to see how well you understand the role. In a group setting, it’s an excellent opportunity to stand out by showing the research you’ve done into the job and company. Describe one or two relevant skills and connect your strengths to the position, team goals, and company culture.

Tips for standing out in a group interview

If you’ve got a group interview coming up, here are some tips to help you shine:

Be on time

Arriving last to a group interview won’t earn you any points. Make every effort to get to the interview reasonably early. Plan your route and know where to park once you get to the interview site. If you’re doing a virtual interview, test your equipment before logging on to make sure that everything works.

Do your homework

Come to the group interview prepared to do your best. Review the job listing again and research the company, including its values, mission, and products. Prepare some thoughtful questions you can ask about the culture and expectations. Questions show your engagement and initiative, which can get an interviewer’s attention.

Make friends and stay positive

Group interviews are a chance to showcase your social skills. Instead of viewing other candidates as your competition, treat them as teammates or even friends. Introduce yourself, make eye contact, and smile warmly. Most importantly, be professional and avoid speaking badly about past co-workers or supervisors.

Speak up and be respectful

To succeed in a group interview, you need to make an impression. When it’s your turn to speak, answer questions clearly and confidently. At the same time, be respectful when others are speaking and listen to them closely. This can go a long way toward impressing a recruiter.

Listen actively

Group interviews can be hectic, and it’s easy to lose track with many people speaking. In these situations, practice active listening. Focus closely on what the interviewers say so that you can follow instructions. Additionally, pay close attention when your fellow candidates speak, so that you can contribute to the conversation and avoid repeating similar answers.

Be original

In group interviews, you need to show recruiters what makes you unique. Share real-world examples of your skills and accomplishments with specific, memorable details. Do your best to distinguish your answers and qualifications from everyone else’s.

Follow up

Once you make an impression, don’t forget to follow up with the interviewer. Thank them for their time and encourage them to stay in touch about the next steps. Be friendly, but avoid pestering the recruiter too often for constant updates.

Have a group interview in the near future? Check out career.io’s Interview Prep tool to simulate an interview and practice common questions before you get into a group setting!

Key takeaways

1. What is a group interview? It’s when an employer screens multiple candidates at the same time.

2. Group interviews are a good way for companies to evaluate and compare candidates’ soft skills, and hire multiple people in a short time span.

3. Different types of group interviews include discussions, problem-solving exercises, and panel interviews.

4. Some tips to help you stand out from other candidates include being prompt and positive, doing your research, asking thoughtful questions, sharing unique and memorable answers, and following up after the interview.