{"id":17994,"date":"2021-04-30T10:00:43","date_gmt":"2021-04-30T09:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"\/gb\/en\/blog\/?p=17994"},"modified":"2023-06-13T18:15:54","modified_gmt":"2023-06-13T17:15:54","slug":"group-interview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/gb\/en\/blog\/group-interview\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Group Interview? Questions, Answers and Tips to Stand Out"},"content":{"rendered":"

It used to be the case that one person conducted a job interview. Usually, a senior manager if a single interview, or possibly a lower manager, is a two or even three-step traditional interview process. There was, however, a degree of inefficiency to multi interview processes, and we\u2019ve seen group interviews increasingly used to streamline proceedings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re undertaking a job search or looking to change jobs, you may well get offered a group interview. Just what are group interviews, though? Why are they better than the process used before? Are all group interviews the same, and should you expect the same questions in each? Read on to find out.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are group interviews?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

As the name suggests, group interviews are when an interview involves more than two people. The \u2018group\u2019 part is usually the interviewers, but it can also be the other way around, with one (or more) people interviewing multiple potential candidates.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Types of group interviews<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There are two main types of group interviews to consider.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Panel interview<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This is by far the most common type of group interview format. In this format, interviewees are interviewed by a group (or panel). The panel will consist of at least two people from the company. Those interviewers may include management from the department\/team relevant to the job and someone from the human resources\/personnel department, such as the hiring manager.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In most cases, the interview format will be question and answer, though depending on the job role, there may also be certain work-simulation exercises or tests.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Candidate group<\/strong><\/h3>\n

It is rarer to experience this type of group interview. With this format, you would be in a room with the other job candidates applying for the same role. There may be an initial presentation that provides detailed information about the company and the position.<\/span><\/p>\n

The recruiters will then ask questions based on the presentation or may ask candidates to participate in group or individual exercises. This group interview is good for whittling down numbers<\/a> but less effective for identifying one suitable candidate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why are group interview questions important?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Questions in a group interview can have different types of importance depending on the group interview type.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Panel interview<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In a panel interview, the questions are important as they allow the different panel members to judge the best candidate from different perspectives. They can see how a candidate responds to questions regarding different scenarios and situations they would face as an employee. It also lets the panel see how the interviewee performs under stress.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Candidate group<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In this format, the interviewer(s) can ask multiple questions of the group that highlight certain candidates in a group setting. This saves time in reducing a large field to a shortlist. They can also introduce questions or group interview activities that illustrate how fellow candidates work with other team members. This highlights their ability to work well with others and which candidates will fit with the <\/span>company culture.<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

14 Group interview tips to succeed<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

So, you have been invited to attend a group interview. It\u2019s not something you\u2019ve experienced before, so you are understandably nervous. Here are our <\/span>14 top tips <\/span>to help you prepare for the interview<\/span> and for coping with the process.<\/span><\/p>\n