There are two sorts of group interview queries, and your experience will differ replying on which one you are engaging in. Both can be challenging for applicants.Find out more about the types of group interviews that take place, what queries to inquire, and how you can shine during this type of interview.  

Kinds of Group Interviews Queries

In one type of group interview, several employers (sometimes called a group or panel)meet with and interview a candidate. The panel generally includes a Human Resources representative, the manager, and possibly colleagues from the department where you would be working, if employed. 

In another variety, multiple applicants are interviewed at the similar time by one interviewer (typically the hiring manager). In this scenario, you and other candidates would be interviewed together, in a group.

Sometimes,a group interview combines both sorts of interviews: you might be interviewed in a group, by a panel of interviewers.

Why a Group Interview?

Interviewers hold group interviews for a number of reasons. Initially, group interviews with multiple candidates are very efficient: they permit the employer to conduct multiple interviews at the same time, saving a lot of time. 

When there is a panel of interviewers, a group interview becomes an effective way to introduce job seekers to all the people he or she would be working with.

Companies might also conduct group interviews because they indicate which candidates work well with others. A group interview will also show an employer which candidates will fit well with the company culture.

Jobs engaging high stress, fast-paced work, or customer interaction also usually require group interviews. If you perform well during a stressful interview, you might be more apt to perform well doing a job that is stressful.

What to Hope during the Group Interview Queries

There are a number of formats for group interviews.

For an interview with several interviewers and one candidate, interviewers tend to take turns asking the candidate questions. 

There is more variety in an interview with multiple candidates. Generally, the interview will involve the interviewers asking each candidate group questions, as well as individual questions. The group interview might even end with everyone having brief individual interviews.

The interview might also involve a work simulation or issue-solving exercise, in which the candidates have to work together as a team. This gives the employer a chance to see if you can work well on a team project, if you are a natural leader, and if you get along well with others. Sometimes, the group work will end with a team discussion or presentation.

Group Interview Queries

Below are queries one might be asked during a group interview. The list involves general questions an interviewer might ask a candidate, as well as questions an interviewer would ask regarding a work-simulation exercise.

Group Interview Queries: General Questions

• How would your colleagues describe you?
• How would you describe yourself?
• Why do you need this job?
• What fascinated you in our company?
• What do you have to offer the company?
• How do you work in a team?
• Describe your career history and future goals in 30 seconds.

Questions inquired After Work-Simulation Exercise

• What made this team work successfully?
• Who would you hire from your group? Why?
• What was your personal contribution to the team’s performance?
• Why did this team struggle to accomplish the objective?
• How did you deal with the stress created by meeting the challenges?

How to Stand Out

• Be ready. Take the time to prepare for the interview by reviewing the interview questions you will most likely be asked, making a list of questions to ask the interviewer, and brushing up your interview skills.
• Be confident and respectful. You need to make certain your voice is heard during the interview, but you also do not want to dominate the interview. When you see a chance to speak, calmly do so, but do not cut other people off or appear too impatient and competitive.
• Be a good listener. A significant part of working with a team is being a good listener. Listen carefully to what both the interviewers and your fellow candidates are saying (use body language to signal your listening). When you answer a question, refer back to what the person before you said, which shows you were listening. Try to quickly learn (and say) the names of the candidates and the interviewers, which will further indicate your listening skills.

• Be a leader. If you’re working on a team project, seek a chance to lead. This does not mean steamrolling your group. Leading can be as simple as including everyone, and making sure everyone has a task. If you reflect on the project with the interviewer, be sure to give credit to your teammates.
• Be yourself. While you should make your voice heard, don’t feel like you have to be extremely vocal if you’re shy. Answer queries thoughtfully – it is better to answer a couple of questions with purpose than to talk a lot without purpose. Being a good listener who answers questions carefully can still set you apart from the group without forcing you to be someone you are not.
• Follow up. Be certain to send a thank you letter to every employer in the panel. Try to mention something specific about your interview to help the employers remember you.