Interviewing with other people can be intimidating. You are able to directly see your competition and compare your answers to everyone else’s. However, this is a really great opportunity to set yourself apart from the crowd.
There are many reasons employers will hold group interviews. It could be they don’t have a lot of time and want to get as many people seen as possible, it could be that they want to see how you work under pressure or how you interact with others. Whatever the reason, by preparing yourself for the interview, you can really increase your chances of landing that position.
The first group interview I ever participated in was for a rock climbing instructor position. Now, at the time, I had zero rock climbing experience so I didn’t have high expectations for actually getting the job. There were three of us interviewing together. The person on my left showed up late and didn’t give any apology or excuses and the person to my right was chewing gum the entire time. Needless to say, I was offered the job. Even though I didn’t have the experience my competitors had, I was able to stand out by not making common job interview mistakes.
So, what can you do to stand out from your competition during a group interview? The best answer – don’t make silly interview mistakes.
1) No jeans - Even if the workplace has a casual atmosphere, you want it to look like you are taking your interview as seriously as possible. I’m not telling you to go searching for a full interview suit; in casual environments khakis will do just fine. When the person sitting next to you is in jeans and a dirty shirt, you can make yourself stand out by simply dressing the part.
2) Arrive on time - Sounds obvious. But, being late for a group interview is even worse than being late for a one-on-one interview. You will interrupt the interview, everyone will turn around to look at you, and you will probably be remembered as the person who came in late, not the person with the great answers.
3) Take a mint instead of gum - Chewing gum in any interview is bad, bad, bad. In a group interview it can be very distracting. Also, if the person sitting next to you is not chewing gum, you are just making them look better in comparison. So, if you are worried about your breath, throw a mint in your mouth a few minutes before the interview starts.
4) Do your research - Go over both the position and the company. You may be asked specific questions about the position to test your knowledge. This will also help in the dreaded, “Do you have any questions for me?” stage. Instead of an awkward silence, you can stand out by actually having questions and making it look like you are invested in the position.
5) Practice the standard interview questions - While your competition may be stumbling over common interview questions, you breeze through them with poise and confidence because you knew it was coming and you’ve practiced your answer. This will set you apart and help with the nerves!
Seeing the other people going for your job is intimidating, but it can also give you a leg up on your competition. By being punctual, prepared and polished you will make yourself stand out for all the right reasons.
What group interview tips do you have? Let us know by commenting below!
About Kim Costa
No matter what you say about a former Employer,never ever make any negative comments,when searching for a new job !!!
I agree 100% !
I just wanted to tell you Kim that I have an interview with Macy’s, I’ve apply last Friday and they’d email me the next day.
That’s great, Linda!! When is the interview?
I also received an interview from Macy’s! Mine is on November 19. Any advice would be appreciated.
Hi Sarah! It’s great you got an interview
. Check out this article: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/ive-got-an-interivew-now-what/ and let me know if you have any questions. Good luck, please let us know how it goes!
Commmon dude theese are common sense issues. I though u were gonna say somethin deeper than that. Thanks for wwwaisting my time
Hi Alex – I am sorry you didn’t find these tips helpful. Check out this article: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/how-reisha-stood-out/ where we go into how to answer group interview questions. Good luck and let me know if there’s something I can help you with.
November 15, Thursday. I’m getting everything ready, I really need to go back to work.
Hi I’m new to Snagajob, I’ve been a stay at home mom now for 13 years. I set this account up on Snagajob hoping to get some type of work going for me. I have worked in the past but only months at a time. The last job was in 2001 unfortunately i wasn’t able to hold down a job with my husband on 3rd shift ,and 3 girls to take care of. Anyway I’ve put in 15 applications. I was just wondering if it is still important to call the places to check on the applications that have been summited?
Hi Patricia! Before I get in to your questions, I want to talk about something really important…your email address. This is one of the first things an employer will see from you and it’s important you have a professional email address, it does make a difference. I’m worried that your address will give the employer a bad impression of you. Try making a new address to use for job applications, one that is simply your name. This article explains: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/bad-email-addresses/.
To answer your question, yes, you should definitely be following up on your applications. I talk to hired Snagajob members all the time who tell me that the only reason they got hired is because they followed up. This will help the employer remember you and will show you are taking your job search seriously. Check out this video: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/video-how-to-follow-up/ where we break it down for you
. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions!
I’ve also been turned down by three different place of employment ,because i didn’t met the requirements of the assessment test. How can i avoid this in the future? I’m confused because in big bold letters it states that my chances for hire won’t be affected with the out come of this assessment test.
I would also like to know about this assessment test. Same thing happens to me everytime I have to take the online assessment test. I get the “thank you for your interest, you don’t meet the requirements for the job. Feel free to contact us in 180 days. Goodbye”
I would like to ask about my applecation I just applied on tuseday ….. thanks a lot
Hi there! Following up on your application is so important. Your best bet would be to follow up with the employer directly, they will probably not see your blog comment. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions!
Yes. Kim is absolutely right! That’s how I was able to have an brief interview with Sprouts, I called the store first to see if is a good time to drop by, and one of the store manager had advice me to come in. Happen to be when I show up, the general store manager was by the front entrance merchandising the store, so I’d offer to help and suggest how should it look from a customer eye level. He didn’t know I’m an applicant. Still waiting for a second interview.
I recently went through my first group interivew at Toys ‘R Us. No wasting time with questions like, how often is it OK to be late. First, everyone had to say four or five things about themselves – their work experience, favorite sports teams, whatever. Second, we were paired up to interview each other and sell the group on why the other applicant should be hired. Third, we were split into two groups and given Legos to build an imaginary new toy; each team had to explain the selling points, price, and marketing strategy, all members contributing. It wasn’t simply who could go on talking the most, but what they’d though of to ask or say. I wasn’t hired, but I left very impressed with the company.
Hello I have been applying for Customer Service Call Center Position since July 2012 an have not got any respomse I have over 15 years experience…I also have my Resume Posted at alot of Agency have taken Serveral Test an still nothing It is so depressing…
Good evening,
I would like to throw my two cents in. One thing I would like to add is, the “tell me about yourself ” question. This is normally the initial phrase you will hear after the interviewer talks about the company. Your answer to this inquiry will set the tone for your interview. So be relaxed. The only thing they know about you personally is what you tell them.
GOD bless,
Young, Terrell
I came recently to USA, got a job that I perceive is below my level in USA: graduate of University Of Lagos, Nigeria 1992 with experience spanning Insurance manager and Project Consultant (M&E). I would be delighted to land a job that is at least not too meaner; of course not ashamed to take any challenge. What is the proper way forward.
Hi,im also new to snag a job and i was wondering about a career in real estate.for the last 7 years and construction my whole life basically,i want to pursue real estate because i am no longet physically able to do construction even though i made anywhere from 20 to 30 dollars an hour.do you have any advice where i should start….thank you,mike
It never hurts to follow up after an interview – especially with so much competition. This gives you a chance to thank them again for meeting with you and you can express your interest in the position. Persistence pays off in many cases as well. I have talked to quite a few people that found a job by changing their strategy. They narrowed down their search to 3 companies only, and then consistently calling once a week to follow up. Eventually when the position opens, they’ll definitely remember your name.
So, I interviewed at a position in receiving at Sears. The lady said I must have made a mistake and that I should probably change my application to cashier. So I did. Once I came back for the 2nd interview, she then proceeded to tell me I wasn’t flexible enough with my hours. I had 5am-5pm available daily. That is why I went with receiving. So needless to say I didn’t get it… 2 days later the other Sears in our area sent me an email to come in for the receiving position…. Now I’m confused…
I don’t follow up after the interview. I follow up the resume. Is a cover letter appropriate when the employer doesn’t supply a contact name or is confidential?
Hi I am a mom going back to work after 20 years(arggg kid in college have to pay the bills!) I have applied on-line to several places and have been to due to how many applicants reponded I have not been chosen. Is it better to go in to the place where you wish to apply and do it in person? I present my self well however I am over 50(yuck). Rather confused on what to be applying for as I am being turned down by places where as a college student would(and have) been hired. Thank for any input. Thank you.
Hello,
I am looking for a job, I have had some interviews but I didn’t get nothing yet. I came here few month ago and I’m learning English, I can understand about 70% but some times I don’t. I’m a professional but probably I have to start in another job. I’m young and I’m learning English fast. What do you recomend me?
Thanks I appreciate the information given here what to expect from employers.
Being that I just got back into the work market searching for work, currently a student in school
at LCCC in Laramie county, doing very well i might add.
Hi Kim, I’m 16, I’ll be 17 in two months.
I’ve applied for jobs and have even called back multiple times
I always get hit with the “oh, the manager is not in right now” and when I say “well, do you know when he/she will be in, whats a good time for me to call back.” they say “oh business hours,” when I call they’re NEVER there (or atleast thats what the employees tell me)
But, I need help…
I NEED a job,
like yesterday. and I feel like I’m not gettting hired because I’m a homeschooled 16 year old female who has never had a job.
I have basically no experience.
I have volunteered at my school when I played basketball during my freshman year to help out with the concession stand. I handled money, and restocked and prepared food.
I have no clue where to turn to. No one is really helping me, they keep giving me cold shoulder answers like ‘try harder’, or ‘youll get a job one day’ bullshit.. pretty much.
anyway, I need big help.
I also need to learn how to create my own resume/copy letter.
I have an idea of how to start I just need help because I have no experience.
and do I put down for my “Education” that I’m homeschooled? Then include the schools name ( Nevada Virtual Academy, K12)
Hey Kim and Snagajob Crew, This is my first ,but not last post….. Question: Lately I have got what I call “mini-speed” interviews.This is were the interviewer asks a handfull of questions about my qualifications,interests in the company,and the likes of such in a very rapid fire ,machinegun fashion…..Have you ever heard of this type of interview???? How can I keep from getting flustered and making a good impression on this type of interview????
I really need to work from home. Any suggestions to profitable legitimate companies that are looking for computer data entry or even medical billing?
Hi Franzwa! Check out our work from home jobs here: http://snagajob.com/job-search?q=work+from+home&location= and let me know if you have any questions!
I am a 35 yr.old have over 15 yrs. of cashier & cook skills,have been on many interviews,but no call
back!smh Don’t know what to do?
Hi Sheronda – I am sorry you aren’t having much luck. Take a look at this video: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/video-why-am-i-not-hearing-back/, where we give you a few reasons you may not be hearing back from employers. Also, if you’ve been on a few interviews but aren’t hearing back, try to brush up on your interview skills. Try practicing common interview questions. We recently created a video series where we show you how to answer some of them: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/interview-tips/interview-questions-answers/. Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions!
Hi Mike! Try using our keyword search tool to look for real estate jobs in your area: http://www.snagajob.com/job-search. Also, if you are interested in selling real estate, you will need to first get your real estate license. It will make it easier to hire you. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions!
Hi Howard! A cover letter is always appropriate, even if you don’t have a specific contact name.
Hi Susan! Check these articles, I think they can really help you: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/?s=stay+at+home+mom. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Hi Kaelyn! Fist, happy (early) birthday. Take a look at all of our job search videos: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/how-to-find-a-job-videos/. We go over everything from how to find a job with no experience to how to find a job fast! As far as what to put on your resume, you can simply put Nevada Virtual Academy, since that is the name of the school you will be getting a degree from. Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions
.
Hi there! There may be a few reasons for these fast interviews. The hiring manager could be overwhelmed with the number of qualified applicants and needs to get as many interviews done as possible or they could be testing how you work under pressure. Your best bet is to practice this type of interview. Have someone you know ask you common interview questions in a fast way. The more practice you get the better. Check out this article for more info: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/how-to-overcome-shyness-in-a-job-interview/ and let me know if you have any questions!