Group Interview is a common method when there are a large number of candidates taking the interview. It is economical and effective in evaluating the candidates’ soft skills in their discussion.
The group shall debate on certain topics in relation to the job and each candidate is required to give their opinion to a hypothetical situation. To succeed in such a group interview, one must follow some tips as below:
1. Be polite and generous with others. Try to break the ice with your interesting introduction to other candidates.
2. Listen to the interviewer’s instructions carefully and analyze them well.
3. Actively and dynamically participate in the discussion. That is highly expected by the interviewers. Don’t just stay there and listen as it may cost you the chance of getting the job.
4. Nevertheless, knowing to listen is important, too. You must know when to be a talker and when to be a listener. That’s important.
5. Don’t be stubborn and too much aggressive in your discussion. Be cooperative, stay calm and listen attentively. Those are requirements of a potential candidate.
6. Try to deal with conflict in an appropriate manner. There out to be disagreements in a discussion, certainly. The goal of the discussion is to debate on a common solution; however, only cooperation may be able to come to such a solution but not aggressiveness or arrogance.
7. Appreciate others’ opinions and support others in narrating their ideas.
8. Constructive criticism is good in a debate; however, make your points so that they don’t cause any offense.
9. Try to avoid any conflict or “quarrel” in a discussion. All of candidates are supposed to work in a team but not fight in a competition. So, try to lead the discussion to a positive outcome.
10. Make a list of constructive questions to ask in the discussion.
11. When you are required to answer questions by the interviewer, keep your answer short and complete.
12. Work as a team but also remember to make you individually outstanding.