Group interviews are becoming a more common hiring practice as companies place greater emphasis on teamwork and communication skills in addition to basic job task competencies. There are two types of group interview. The first, more correctly called a panel interview, involves a team of employees interviewing an applicant at the same time. The second type of group interview, which we will discuss here, is an interview that includes multiple applicants for the same position being interviewed together. Excelling in a group interview requires additional skills to those you need in a traditional one-on-one interview.
What to expect in a group interview
During a group interview, you will frequently receive a formal presentation about the company and the position. Although each company may have slight variations on this theme, it is likely that you will be asked to introduce yourself to the group and perhaps tell a bit about yourself and your background. Then, there may be an open discussion, directed questions, or you may be asked to participate in group exercises. Contrary to your possible impressions of group interviews from TV shows like "The Apprentice", the group interview is not an adversarial process. It is however competitive and you will make or break your hiring chances based on your performance.
Getting off on the right foot
The first few minutes of a group interview will be ice-breaking or warm up. The interviewers will introduce themselves, either to each applicant personally or to the group. Look the person in the eye and smile. If it is a personal introduction, use their name in your reply, "Hello Sam, I am Frank Burns, it is nice to meet you. I am really looking forward to talking about XYZ Company and the account representative position."
During the initial presentation about the company and the position, listen actively. That means, look interested in what is being said and give the presenter some non-verbal feedback by nodding your head, establishing eye contact, and appearing open by keeping your arms on the table or at your side. Do not sit back and fold your arms across your chest as if you are judgmentally evaluating them.