Stand Out In Any Group Interview With These 6 Tips

Group interviews have become a common means of evaluation used by hiring recruiters from many companies. With most companies valuing soft skills like leadership, teamwork and cooperation, group interviews become an easy way of assessing a candidate. However, a group interview can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you are an introvert. So it is best to understand what all you can expect in a group interview, and learn ways you can impress the recruiters to get the job of your dreams.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN A GROUP INTERVIEW

As mentioned above, group interviews are a way to assess how well a candidate can work in a group setting. Thus, some questions you can expect from them are-

• Problem solving
• Work-simulation exercises
• Discussion about problems and team work

While in a group interview, you will have competitors who will look out for every chance to outshine you. Thus, you need to be well-prepared with tips and tricks to get the attention of the recruiters, without coming off as aggressive. So here are the 6 tips that you can use to stand out from your competitors, and catch the eye of recruiters.

1) PUT A STRONG FIRST IMPRESSION

You can do this by reaching a little before your scheduled time, dressing formally, and being polite with the other staff and employees. This will make you stand out from your competitors, and help the recruiter remember you. Also, take care of your body language while speaking, never seem rude to your competitors, and don’t forget a big and confident smile.

2) BE FRIENDLY WITH YOUR COMPETITORS

You might ask why you would do that in your right senses. But listen to me, by talking to your competitors you can do two very important things-

1. Impress the recruiters by showing them that you are always ready to network.
2. That you are a people person, leader, and a good communicator
3. Understand the personalities of your competitors

Rather than ignoring your competitors, or revising your notes, it is better to introduce yourself to them and network. They might be hesitant at first, but that could be because they might be more nervous than you. Through this, you can understand many things about their personalities. You can firstly, learn their names which would prove very helpful later on. Then you can understand their professions, opinions on certain things, etc.

How this will be useful you may ask? It’s useful because even if your recruiter is not in the room, they will observe that you are leading conversations with the other candidates and networking. Furthermore, by knowing their names, you can mention them during the discussion which will be a positive reflection on your teamwork skills. You can also refer to the conversations you’ve had during the interview which will further show how attentive you are.

2) INVOLVE EVERYONE

While your first aim should be to catch the eye of the recruiter, though it seems ironic, another way to do so would be to include your competitors in your discussion. If your competitor has made a point in the debate, analyze what they said, and include it when you speak. Don’t forget to mention them when bringing up your point, because repetition is the biggest mistake in a group discussion. Here, the fact that you remembered the names would come in handy. This will show the recruiters that not only can you successfully present yourself, but you also acknowledge your peers and make them feel included.

3) SPEAK TO THE POINT, AND WITH A PURPOSE

Many people, only to get the attention of the recruiters, wrongfully keep on rambling their points without a direction. This will prove no purpose in the end, and you will seem too aggressive and try hard. Even when others in the room won’t take any opportunity to speak for hours, a good interviewee can get their point through with a few words. You need to keep your answers concise and to the point, but impactful. However, this doesn’t mean you start giving single sentence answers. Elaborate your point with examples and experiences, but don’t go on rambling. \Make memorable points and guide the discussion forward.

Additionally, keep in mind that with so many people competing for the same role, their answers won’t be much different to you. If you have come up with rehearsed answers, be mindful that you would end up blending and disappearing from the group. To stand out, don’t come up with completely rehearsed answers, and always strive to come up with unique solutions.

4) DONT JUST TALK IN A GROUP INTERVIEW, BUT ALSO LISTEN

Yes, you have to get your opinions out. But, you also have to listen to what others are bringing to the table. This will help you understand their perspective and arguments, and you can apply them to your answers. Don’t be in a rush to speak, also make notes of things others are saying where you disagree. This will ultimately when you get the chance to speak, increase and strengthen your points, as well as give them clarity.

5) DONT FORGET TO BE YOURSELF

If you are an introvert, don’t act like a leader. This will only make you seem more aggressive and loud and put a bad impression on the recruiter. If you are an introvert, focus on taking every chance you get to give a thoughtful and insightful answer. You have to keep in mind that companies are not just looking for leaders, they want people who are passionate, and cooperative as well. They aren’t looking for the loudest voice in the room, but the wisest.

If you are an extrovert, don’t make the mistake of speaking over others. This will make you seem disrespectful, rude and uncooperative, qualities no hiring manager would want. Furthermore, never speak rudely to your peers, or speak badly about their opinions. No one wants to work with someone who lacks respect for other people’s work. Thus, rather than speaking badly about other people’s opinions, disagree with them, but in a respectful manner.

6) FOLLOW UP AFTER YOUR GROUP INTERVIEW

Following up is a key part of any interview, but more so for a group one. This is because it is crucial to stay in the memory of your interviewer. Therefore, you have to write a gratitude note which will remind the recruiter of you. Furthermore, add a specific incidence or part of the interview where you played an important role so that the interviewer can also remember your contribution.

And that is it guys! Group interviews might seem daunting at first, but if you have gone with the right preparation, you are guaranteed to succeed. Mock interviews are a great way to brush up on your soft skills and if it is conducted by an expert, it is even more effective. The Hireyy ATS Package provides just that.

With the Hireyy ATS package, you get one-on-one mock sessions with industry experts to practice your soft skills. Additionally, you get a 2800% guarantee that your resume will get shortlisted and you will get a job in just 18 days. The package will also give you an industry-vetted resume and enhance your Linkedin profile. So if you want to ace your interviews, check out the Hireyy ATS Package here.

• Penned by Kritika Pant