7 Tips for Standing Out in a Group Interview

One-on-one job interviews are nerve-wracking. Finding out you’ll be in a group interview alongside your direct competition can amplify your worries even further – leaving you wondering how to stand out and make an impression. 

Not only do you have to think about interacting with the interviewer, but you also have to interact with the other candidates. Somehow you must stand out while being courteous, listening, and collaborating.   

If you question how on earth you are supposed to do all this at once, you are in the right place. We’ve collected the top qualities employers look for from candidates in a group interview. Read on to discover what to do in a group interview and how you can shine.

Why do companies give group interviews?

Group interviews can be incredibly revealing for companies, as candidates must showcase their skills while navigating multiple complex dynamics. 

Multiple-candidate interviews can help interviewers better observe how candidates will handle specific aspects of the job, such as:

• Working as a team 
• Showing confidence 
• Communicating with others
• Being proactive 
• Solving problems
• Handling pressure

Do these 7 things to shine in any group interview

Follow these tips for group interviews, and you will soon be fast-tracked to being the top prospect for the role.

1. Be early 

Being on time can bring you more advantages than appearing professional and respectful. In fact, aim to be 15 minutes early. If you are the first one there, it is likely you will get some one-on-one time with the interviewer. If you can build a little rapport before the interview begins, they will likely remember you, and you will feel more confident throughout the interview. Even if you don’t get to chat with the interviewer, you will have a chance to gather yourself, observe your surroundings, and meet each candidate as they walk through the door. 

2. Do your research 

Preparing for a group interview can help you feel confident and answer questions in ways the interviewer hopes to hear. Knowing information about the company shows your enthusiasm and competence. 

Learn whatever you can about the company and role, including:

• The company values 
• What the company does
• Your interviewer’s role
• The skills listed in the job description

Part of your preparation should also involve reading up on common interview questions and stand-out answers. 

3. Plan your introduction  

Group interviews usually involve a potentially awkward self-introduction portion at the start. Here’s your chance to make an impact and a positive first impression. First impressions are important – so make sure you prepare.

When you introduce yourself, you might want to include information about your:

• Education 
• Career 
• Relevant experience 
• Passions 
• Side projects 
• Personality 
• Hobbies

Keep it brief and professional, but don’t be afraid to add some fun facts about you that aren’t strictly work-related. It will make you memorable.

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4. Show your uniqueness 

Be yourself rather than try to fit into a mold. Firstly, you will feel more comfortable, allowing you to come across as more genuine and confident. Secondly, it naturally determines if you are a good fit for the company. If your personality wildly clashes with the business (or vice versa), it’s ultimately better for both parties to find out now. But remember to stay professional.

5. Mix leadership and teamwork 

This is a tricky balance. However, candidates who are successful in showing confidence and leadership while also listening and supporting others are the ones who tend to stand out in group interviews. How can you do this? 

• Speak first, at least some of the time.
• Make sure to support others’ answers some of the time.
• Listen carefully and respond.
• Be vocal in a respectful way. 
• Ask insightful questions.  
• Suggest ideas. 
• Build on others’ ideas.

6. Be friendly to everyone 

Being polite and friendly is a must. Making an effort to personally greet and thank the interviewer (or interviewers if you are preparing for a panel interview) makes a good impression. But it is equally important to be friendly with the other candidates in the interview. It shows respect and professionalism and shows you can collaborate.

7. Ask the right questions 

Showing curiosity is a green flag for interviewers. If there was something you couldn’t find the answer to in a group exercise, don’t be afraid to ask an insightful question. This shows that you are eager to learn and work at resolving problems. 

Your interviewer may also ask the group if you have any questions. Intelligent questions can make a big impact. Listen carefully to everything that’s said and aim to come up with questions that show you were listening, but dig deeper.

Final thoughts

Learning how to stand out in a group interview is more straightforward than you think. Follow the tips above and discover how you can take on the interview feeling calm, collected, and confident. If you feel you need some more tips and tricks in the interview process, check out iHire’s resource center. It is packed with amazing free material to help job seekers land their dream positions.