Interviewing simultaneously with other candidates
can be disconcerting, but it provides the company
with a sense of your leadership potential and style.
The group interview helps the company get a glimpse
of how you interact with peers-are you timid or
bossy, are you attentive or do you seek attention,
do others turn to you instinctively, or do you
compete for authority? The interviewer also wants to
view what your tools of persuasion are: do you use
argumentation and careful reasoning to gain support
or do you divide and conquer? The interviewer might
call on you to discuss an issue with the other
candidates, solve a problem collectively, or discuss
your peculiar qualifications in front of the other
candidates.
This environment might seem overwhelming or hard to
control, but there are a few tips that will help you
navigate the group interview successfully:
- Observe to determine the dynamics the
interviewer establishes and try to discern the rules
of the game. If you are unsure of what is expected
from you, ask for clarification from the
interviewer.
- Treat others with respect while exerting
influence over others.
- Avoid overt power conflicts, which will make you
look uncooperative and immature.
- Keep an eye on the interviewer throughout the
process so that you do not miss important cues.
Editor's Note:
For additional tips on group or panel interviews,
please refer to the following additional articles:
