Acing a group interview is not as hard as it may seem. There are two types of group interviews: a candidate group interview and a panel group interview. The difference between these two interview types is the fact that in a candidate group interview, you will be put in a room with other job applicants who most likely are applying for the same position that you applied for and in a panel group interview, you will be interviewed by a panel of two or more people. If you want to overcome the fear you have of facing a group interview, the best thing you can do is to learn more about it. Here are 7 techniques for acing a group interview that will help you harness those nerves:
The most important thing you should do for acing a group interview is to make sure that you shake hands with everyone in that panel of interviewers. Try to remember their names so you can thank them individually at the end of the interview. This way, you will seem confident, a good professional and really motivated to obtain that position in their company.
When you shake the interviewers’ hands, make sure you make eye contact. It’s very important to do this, since it will help you interact better with them. Even though sometimes it may be uncomfortable or intimidating during the interview to make eye contact with the ones who interview you, try not to forget about this aspect, since it could help you obtain that job you want.
Group interviews can be very challenging sometimes and that’s why, you may feel a bit intimidated or insecure, but try not to let those feelings sabotage your career and be yourself. Act naturally, show interest for what the interviewers are telling you and be confident! Just show them what a wonderful, talented and capable person you are and you will manage to achieve all your professional objectives.
During a group interview, try not to focus only on one individual even if you have more in common with a specific person. Try to make an effort to engage everyone in the group when you answer their questions or even when you ask them what you want to know about the company and about the position.
If you think that you might be facing a group interview, try to prepare yourself for this kind of challenge. Do your research and find out as much as you can about the company and about the position you are applying for. Make a list of questions you could ask the interviewers and also, a list of the questions you might be asked during the interview and then practice how you might answer them.
In a candidate group interview, it’s better to be a leader than a follower. This way, the interviewer(s) will notice you because they might not remember you if you blend into the background. Just demonstrate all your skills during the interview and you will obtain that dream job.
At the end of the interview, make sure you thank everyone who interviewed you. Remember their names and titles, so you’ll be able to send them a thank you note after the interview. This way, you will stand out from all the other candidates for the position you want and you might even manage to reach your goal and obtain it.
Acing a group interview doesn’t have to be hard, Be yourself, be confident and let the interviewers see what a wonderful, talented and capable person you are. Do you know any other techniques for a acing a group interview? Please tell us about them in the comments section!
Sources:
resources.alljobopenings.com
businessmajors.about.com