How to Conduct Group Interviews (6 Tips)

An increasing number of interviewers are using group activities to find the best talent. Group interview activities can be a bit more stressful than individual interviews, and it’s best to prepare adequately before holding them. A group interview involves almost all other characteristics of a one-on-one interview. The only difference is that several applicants get interviewed at the same time for the same role. These kinds of interviews aim to find candidates for positions that require interactions with customers/clients, working within a team, or in a busy environment.

How to handle group interview activities efficiently

It’s wise to have several interviewers so that they can help observe the candidates. For efficiency, assign roles so that there are silent observers and one who asks questions. On the day of the interview, start with a strong opening statement. Congratulate the candidates for acing the resume screening phase. Tell them how long the process will take and what’s involved.

Allow the interviewers to introduce themselves and then give a summary of the company values, the role, requirements, responsibilities the successful candidates will engage in, working hours, benefits, and more. Give them a reason to want to impress you and get the job.

Why use group interviews?

• They are fast. You don’t have to take a long time sifting through individual resumes and holding interviews for each of the selected candidates.
• They allow you to compare candidates and see how each performs under pressure.
• They are cost effective and time-saving, especially if there is a massive number of applicants to be interviewed.
• You can hire more than one person for the same role. For example, in sales or customer care.
• You need to fill a role that requires candidates for a specific time frame.
• You want to find candidates who are great at teamwork, communication and can work under pressure.
• You want to find candidates who can work in the environment the role presents.

Disadvantages of using group interviews

• Lack of rapport. It’s hard to bond or get a clear view of a candidate when they are in a group setting.
• Introverts may have a hard time getting noticed whereas the extroverts shine.
• Can be awkward for applicants and they may not bring out their true self at the interview. Some may have an uncomfortable and unpleasant experience. It could lead to the loss of good candidates.
• Candidates may influence each other’s answers.

Group interview activities

Before you can start giving the candidates assignments in groups, use structured questions. The questions will help you determine if a candidate can speak publicly and with precision. Addressing each one introduces you to individual candidates. It also eliminates the awkwardness and is a great way to ease the tension. Some of these questions can include:

• Describe yourself in three words.
• Why do you want to work here?
• Name two of our competitors. What makes us different from them?
• Tell us of a time when you had to delegate. How did you handle it and what were the results?
• How did you improve your skills in your previous job?
• Tell us about a time when you failed. What were the lessons?
• Have you ever dealt with a difficult customer? How did you communicate with them?
• Your supervisor has been breaking the code of conduct at the company. What do you do?
• You are the lead on a project with team members who don’t get along. How do you ensure they work together and complete the project on time?
• Tell us of a time when your idea improved company sales.

Sample group activities

1. Sort the Inbox
Sort the Inbox is an activity in which the applicants demonstrate their prioritization skills. Split them into smaller groups and give them a series of tasks to sort through. The applicants should imagine that the activities are in their inbox and they must decide which one to handle first. The interviewer observes how the candidates prioritize depending on which operation is most important. They also observe their negotiation skills.

2. The case study
The hiring manager presents a brief, based on scenarios likely to happen at the company. These scenarios must involve the role and outline problems that the interviewees must solve as a group. The case study activity tests teamwork, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

3. Change the Meaning
Change the Meaning helps the interviewer determine if the candidates are alert to communication cues. S/he reads out a series of sentences and in each s/he emphasizes one word. The candidates then identify the emphasized word and how it changes the meaning of the original phrase. This exercise tests the candidate’s ability to listen carefully and to assess situations logically.

4. The role play activity
In this activity, the hiring manager groups the candidates together and presents them with a problem. He then assigns each a different role (for example, a manager, salesperson, etc.) and tests how well they perform. For example, in the case of a disgruntled customer, the interviewer will be the dissatisfied customer. S/he will assign a customer care representative, a supervisor and a manager from the group and watch how they handle the situation. Depending on the role, the interviewer will be looking for skills like negotiation, leadership, problem-solving, communication or the ability to provide customer service.

5. The practical task
In this activity, the hiring manager may present a problem that is not relevant to the job. For example, building an incredible mansion using a few Legos. In this test, s/he is looking out for effective communication skills, resilience and the ability to use available resources to solve issues.

6. Write it down
The applicants are asked to write about the group interview. Some of the things they are asked to include are:

• What their experience with the group interview was
• Whom they would hire from their group
• How they contributed to the teamwork
• Times when they struggled to accomplish goals given during the interview and why they think it happened
• How they dealt with the stress that comes with group interviews

The writing test is used to test the writing skills of candidates and the ability to communicate using words.

Close the group interview with questions from the interviewees. The questions are another great chance to pick out candidates who are interested in the role. They will have researched the company and will ask relevant questions. After the question and answer session, inform them of when to expect updates and wish them all well. These group interview activities will help you choose qualified candidates with the skills you need to fill the role.