How to Stand Out in a Group Interview

There are different types of interviews that involve more people than just you and an interviewer. They include the following:

• Group interview: When an employer wants to meet multiple candidates at once, they may use a group interview. This is when you and other candidates are all interviewed at the same time. This type of interview can be challenging since you and your competition are right by each other, often answering the same questions.
• Panel interview: This is when you are interviewed by multiple people. Employers often use this strategy so more than one person can weigh in on a hiring decision. These people often include a manager and a few employees from the department you’re applying to.

When you’re in a group interview with multiple candidates, follow these steps to set yourself apart from the rest:

1. Don’t try to blend in

If you find that each candidate is answering a question in a similar way, try to find a way to add new insights when it’s your turn to answer. Think about your own unique experiences and skill set when coming up with your answer. When the person before you has a genuinely good response, you could also build upon what they said to offer something new.

2. Show your leadership skills

Volunteering to go first can show that you have the qualities of a leader. Even though group interviews can be intimidating, they also give you the chance to prove how you can adapt to challenging situations. Sometimes an employer will give you all a group project to complete. By being a guide to other candidates and putting in the most effort, you can show that you have the confidence to lead.

3. Demonstrate your listening abilities

It may be tempting to focus on your own responses, however, it’s more important to actively listen during your interview. By fully understanding what other candidates just said, you can come up with more meaningful answers. Make an effort to remember everyone’s name, and use names when referring to someone else’s ideas. This can show the employer that you are both thoughtful and attentive to details.

4. Send a thank-you email

After the interview, send the employer a thank-you email. This is your chance to finally have one-on-one correspondence and shows that you are truly interested in the job opportunity. In your email, mention something specific about what you discussed in the interview to create a lasting impression.

While in a group interview with multiple candidates, you may need to answer these common interview questions. You can use these sample answers as inspiration when preparing what to say:

1. Give me an elevator pitch of who you are as a professional.

Example answer: I am a marketing professional with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. Using my creative abilities and analytical nature, I can combine the two to craft excellent campaigns that drive real results. I have won numerous awards for the work I do, most notably a gold marketing award in 2019. I hope to be your company’s next creative director to help your clients achieve better outcomes, every single campaign.

2. Why did you apply for this role?

Example answer: Working for a company that is so devoted to sustainability would be a dream of mine. By combining my passion for environmental sciences with hard work, I think I could offer a lot to your team. Upon researching your company, I also noticed you have amazing community outreach programs and local activism initiatives that directly align with my own values.

3. How do others describe you?

Example answer: Those who know me describe me as a go-getter. I am always searching for the next thing and creating goals for myself. Likewise, I have had a manager tell me that I am insightful. I enjoy listening to what others have to say and then adding my own, thoughtful ideas. I’ve found that both of these qualities are quite helpful when I am meeting new clients and helping them define new projects.

4. How do you work in a team setting?

Example answer: One reason I applied to this job was that the job description specifically states that I would collaborate with others. I truly do enjoy working with a team so we can work together to come up with innovative solutions. I have always been a people person. That’s because we can all learn so much from each other’s unique perspectives and life experiences.

Follow these tips to do your best in a group interview with multiple candidates:

• Be friendly: Even though you are competing for a job, make sure to be polite and professional to the other candidates. Kindly introduce yourself and let them know that it was a pleasure to meet them.
• Show confidence: Speaking clearly, making eye contact, and sitting up straight are all ways to show that you are a confident person. Try to also avoid fidgeting and providing overly lengthy answers.
• Make sure to prepare: Although you may not know which questions the employer may ask, it’s still important to prepare for common interview questions. Also think of a few talking points, such as your professional experience, achievements, and skills.
• Treat others with respect: As another candidate is speaking, give them your undivided attention. Even if you have solid points to make, be sure to let everyone get a chance to speak. Prior to the interview, feel free to have some small talk with the other candidates to show your communication skills.