Four Tactics for Better Group Interviews

Group interviews eliminate the anonymity of competing for a job, but they can easily make you feel like a faceless contestant in a free-for-all arena. Resist the urge to bare your inner predator, and focus on choosing well-timed moments to make yourself stand out from other candidates. Give observers a glimpse of how you interact in a professional setting by listening to others, demonstrating familiarity with the company and interacting with everyone in the room.

1) Research potential employers. Showing knowledge of the company's accomplishments and professional goals immediately sets you apart from candidates who haven't done their homework. An article in U.S. News suggests preparing interview questions that let employers know you've taken the time to learn about their initiatives, and you can even go the extra mile by coming up with smart business ideas that show your value as a creative thinker.

2) Get to know your peers. At every moment, potential employers are observing your body language and responsiveness and judging how well you embrace challenges. Instead of avoiding your competition in the waiting room, introduce yourself to fellow applicants and interviewers, and learn their names.

Addressing individuals by name helps you build familiarity during group interviews and shows employers your ability to thrive in a new team environment. If you discussed the company or interview questions previously, refer back to those waiting room conversations at relevant moments, cleverly demonstrating your listening skills.

3) Maintain a professional attitude, but be yourself. Avoid cutting off other speakers or trying to outdo them by frequently comparing your professional experience. Employers may view pushy behavior as cutthroat and counterproductive to a team environment. Speak up at appropriate times, and use those opportunities to highlight attractive qualities by emphasizing how you solved a problem or approached a project innovatively.

Don't sabotage yourself by overlooking your own strengths. Before group interviews, come up with a list of unique talents or activities that offer employers deeper insight into your personality and how well you complement the company culture. Interviewers are turned off by answers that indicate disinterest in trying new things, so emphasize your love for rock climbing or crocheting purses over predictable hobbies, such as reading or listening to music.

4) Stay engaged throughout the interview process. Participating doesn't have to mean being the loudest in the room. Group interviews equally measure your visibility as a candidate and your professional awareness. Make sure you don't lose track of the conversation, and make an effort to include candidates who are fading into the background by building on their past comments. Employers often surprise candidates with a group activity for a firsthand look at collaboration and communication skills. Contribute ideas, but also show your willingness to try someone else's thoughts.

Group interviews are designed to filter out applicants that aren't a great fit, so stay in interview mode until the hiring process is over. Let interviewers know you value their time by sending a thank you note after group interviews. This simple gesture keeps your name on interviewers' minds and demonstrates your continued interest in working with the company.

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