| In my experience the way to cope with any interview | | | | interview itself. Making a list rather than one or two |
| is to be prepared, and group interviews are no | | | | questions ensures that if your question is answered by |
| exception, in fact being more prepared will certainly be | | | | the presentation or asked by another candidate, you |
| to your advantage. | | | | have a back-up! If in discussion someone uses a point |
| So, how do you get prepared? Well knowing what to | | | | you wished to make think of something you can 'add' |
| expect is a start. Group interviews involve a group of | | | | to it, showing off that you are actively listening and can |
| job candidates and are conducted with one or more | | | | think quickly. |
| usually, a group or panel of interviewers. This panel | | | | - You are being watched! Be body language aware! |
| could include potential co-workers, supervisors, | | | | Right from the word 'go' you are being observed, so |
| colleagues from human resources and managers. | | | | when you approach the other candidates introduce |
| Sometimes these interviews include a presentation | | | | yourself in a polite and friendly manner. Throughout the |
| about the company to inform candidates of their | | | | interview you are being examined, interviewers wish |
| prospects and ethos, providing candidates with a | | | | you to be confident, yet not arrogant and stay calm. |
| question and answer opportunity at the end. | | | | Avoid monopolising conversation, include quieter |
| Sometimes the group of potential employees will be | | | | members of the group and do not interrupt others. |
| given a work related task, and on occasion the group | | | | Should the need arise take on any criticism; appear |
| may be split into smaller groups to develop the | | | | professional, especially when disagreements occur |
| assignment and deliver a presentation. Throughout the | | | | within any group tasks. Where possible and relevant, |
| exercise interviewers will be keeping an close eye on | | | | praise others for their contribution, however ensure |
| candidates and will be taking notes. | | | | that this is done with sincerity. |
| So why do companies choose this method of | | | | - To ensure you show leadership qualities without |
| interview? When companies wish to present | | | | being domineering say things like: |
| themselves to potential employees they provide a | | | | "That's a good idea - who else agrees with that?" |
| presentation. Providing a separate presentation for | | | | "Shall we take a vote?" |
| each candidate would in effect be wasting valuable | | | | " Are we all agreed?" |
| time and money. But don't be fooled, this is not just an | | | | "What's your opinion on this?" |
| opportunity for you to learn about the company, the | | | | "He is doing X, so why don't we do Y, so everything |
| company will be learning about you! They will be | | | | gets done." |
| looking at how you are able to cope with this situation, | | | | - Be punctual! Arrive in good time allowing you possible |
| how you interact with the others you are interviewed | | | | more time with the interviewers than the other |
| with, and how you potentially could fit in their | | | | candidates. |
| organisation. In other words, it's a quicker way of | | | | - Be alert and ready to take part where ever possible. |
| sorting the wheat from the chaff! | | | | It's even more important to stand out within a group |
| So how can you really make the best of the situation? | | | | interview, use any opportunity available to you. |
| - Research the company. Don't just turn up expecting | | | | - Prepare, in case the need arises, a short 1-2 minute |
| to get all you need to know from the company's | | | | introduction about you, your education, your position in |
| presentation! Find out as much as you can about their | | | | your current job and how you see your position in the |
| plans for development, ethos and growth. | | | | future and your goals. |
| - Use your research! Use what you now know to | | | | This is your opportunity to show yourself to potential |
| formulate a list of questions that can be posed either | | | | employers, so dress to impress and present yourself in |
| at the end of the presentation or at the end of the | | | | a positive manner with a smile! |