How to ace a group interview – 5 simple tricks to stand out from the crowd

by Joel Davidge Career Advice, Staffing and Recruitment Advice

Let’s face it – group interviews can seem daunting. Rather than a relaxed one-on-one chat with a recruiter, you’re in a large group with no idea how to stand out.

But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. We asked our recruitment team for their list of simple hacks to ensure you stand out from the pack.

Know what the recruiter is looking for

This first step happens before you actually attend the interview. Any good recruiter should cover how you will be assessed at the start of the day. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – check if there are any specific skills you will be assessed on. This shows initiative and means you won’t be surprised by any curve balls during the group interview. As a rule, group assessments are used to see how you work with others. Which leads us to…

Don’t make it all about you!

Many candidates fall into the trap of thinking that if they aren’t answering all the questions or dominating the conversation then they won’t stand out.

Wrong! Being keen is a good thing but the assessors will also want to see that you can work with others and let them take their moment to shine.

Also, if the company is recruiting for more than one position then you may end up working with one of your fellow interviewees from the group interview. So, play nice when you go into those group activities…

Play to your strengths

Most group assessments include an activity, so assessors can see how you interact with other candidates.

Everyone talks themselves up in their CV but in a group interview it’s what you do that counts. For example, if you put “good communicator” on your CV, you could volunteer to present your teams findings back to the rest of the group.

It’s important to play to your strengths, so don’t worry if public speaking is not your style. As we mentioned earlier, it’s not just about being the loudest person in the room. Other skills are also vitally important. The assessors will be just as interested in the organised candidate who is taking notes throughout the activity recording the group’s process and progress.

Positivity is key

Even if you are an introvert you can still bring a positive energy into the group interview – and the assessors will notice this.

Small things count – when you arrive don’t sit right at the back of the room! Sit near the front so you seem keen and ready to go.

Try to take each task as it comes – even if you don’t fully understand why you’re being asked to do a certain task try to approach it with an open mindset.

And if you’re not feeling fully at your best? This is totally OK. If you feel it’s appropriate, let your assessor know if something is bothering you so that they can ensure you get the support you need throughout the day.

Think of a group interview as a training opportunity

“Though you obviously want to be selected for the job, putting too much pressure on yourself won’t get you anywhere,” says Inna from our Birmingham recruitment team.

Rather than stressing yourself out our recruiters suggest you approach the group interview as an opportunity to hone your skills.

Doing this rather than fixating on the job you want to get means you’ll focus on the task in hand which will lead to you being more relaxed.

“Just do your best,” says Inna. “And if you’re not quite what they are looking for this time, you’ll go into your next interview with your skills refreshed, with a greater chance of being successful”.

Remember, if you’ve been invited to a group interview then you’ve already done something right and got the attention of the recruiter. Just go in and be yourself.