How to ace a group interview

Group interviews are a common way for employers to screen multiple candidates at once and assess their skills in communication, teamwork, and leadership. They can also be a challenging and stressful situation for the applicants, especially if you are in a group of candidates of different countries and origins. Some group interviews will have the candidates work together on a task or exercise and the test might be made in English or in a language that is not your mother tongue. To help you navigate this tricky scenario and impress the interviewers, here are some tips on how to prepare and perform well in a group interview.

Know the company and the role.

Before any interview, you should do some research on the company and the role you are applying for. This will help you answer the questions confidently and show your interest and enthusiasm. It will also help you cope with the pressure of being in a group of strangers, as you will have some background knowledge and expectations of what the interview will entail.

Stand out from the crowd.

In a group interview, you want to make yourself memorable and distinctive. Don’t just repeat what others have said or give generic answers. Instead, try to showcase your unique skills and experiences that are relevant to the role. You can also build on someone else’s answer by adding your own insights or examples. This way, you demonstrate your ability to listen, cooperate, and contribute to the discussion.

Prepare, prepare, prepare.

Learn the vocabulary in English or in the language of the employer, about what the company does, and train it before any group discussion, so you can master the discussion and show that you came prepared. This is a clear sign of motivation for the employers. 

Take the lead.

One of the skills that employers look for in a group interview is leadership. If you have the chance to take the lead in a question, an opinion, a point or a task, don’t hesitate to do so. This shows that you are proactive, confident, and capable of handling responsibility. However, be careful not to dominate the conversation or overshadow the others. You should also respect the opinions and inputs of your co-interviewees and give them space to express themselves. Be sure to show that you are also a good listener and that you engage with input from the others.

Be a team player.

Another skill that employers value in a group interview is teamwork. You should show that you can work well with others, even if you don’t know them or agree with them. You can do this by engaging with your co-interviewees, using their names, acknowledging their points, and supporting their ideas. You should also use positive body language, such as nodding, smiling, and making eye contact. By being a team player, you show that you are collaborative, adaptable, and respectful.

Group interviews can be a great opportunity to showcase your skills and personality to potential employers. By following these tips, you can prepare yourself for the challenge and stand out from the competition. Remember to do your research, be yourself, and strike a balance between being a leader and a team player.

Do you have an online interview? Check out how to stand out in an online job interview.

Read more:

European Job Days

Find EURES Advisers ​

Living and working conditions in EURES countries

EURES Jobs Database

EURES services for employers

EURES Events Calendar

Upcoming Online Events

EURES on Facebook

EURES on Twitter

EURES on LinkedIn