How to do well in a group interview: 4 things to avoid

By Jeff Altman, Big Game Hunter

Group interviews are often an important part of the hiring process. They provide an opportunity for potential future teammates to assess your fit within the team. The impression you make during a panel interview can greatly impact your chances of getting the job.

Here’s why the impression you make in a group interview matters:

• Team Dynamics: Group interviews often involve current team members, whose feedback can influence hiring decisions.
• Collaborative environment: Organizations that prioritize teamwork value the input of current team members during the hiring process.
• Long-term fit: Your interactions during the group interview can provide insight into how you will fit into the team long-term.

Given the importance of panel interview impressions, it’s crucial to approach these interviews with a strategic mindset and avoid common pitfalls that can hinder your chances of success.

Avoid negatively impacting current or past teammates

When interviewing potential future teammates, it is important to avoid any negative perceptions of current or past teammates. Even if you’ve been through a challenging experience, don’t express negative opinions about your coworkers.

Here’s why you should avoid being negative about current or past teammates:

• Positive impression: Expressing negative emotions can make you appear to be a difficult person to work with, which can leave a lasting negative impression.
• Perceived team dynamics: If you speak negatively about others, your potential future teammates may view you as difficult to work with, which may hinder your chances of being viewed as a valuable team member.
• Focus on the positives: Emphasize the positive aspects of your experience and how you overcame challenges without putting others down.

By avoiding negative attitudes toward current or past teammates, you demonstrate your professionalism and positive attitude, which are important qualities in potential team members. This approach can help you make a good impression during a group interview.

Balance attention and respect for all interviewers

In a group interview, it is crucial to distribute your attention evenly to all interviewers. By doing this, you respect each member of the group and avoid making anyone feel ignored or disrespected.

Here are some key reasons why it’s important to balance attention and respect for all interviewers:

• Equal attention: Evenly dividing your attention shows that you value each interviewer’s input and presence.
• Respectful participation: By maintaining eye contact and actively listening to all group members, you can create positive and respectful interactions.
• Team Dynamics: Balanced attention ensures interviewers don’t feel marginalized, thus contributing to harmonious, balanced team dynamics.

By maintaining a balanced approach when interacting with all interviewers, you can make a positive impression and demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively in a team environment.

Avoid examples of bragging and intimidation

Overly bragging about your accomplishments may offend your potential future teammates. It’s important to strike a balance between showcasing your skills and achievements without coming across as arrogant or self-centered.

Here are some reasons why you should avoid bragging and intimidating examples in group interviews:

• Team Harmony: Intimidating examples can create an impression of chaos within the team, causing people to worry about your ability to fit in smoothly.
• Collaborative environment: Bragging too much can make you appear unapproachable and focused on personal success rather than team goals.
• Perception Management: Your future teammates may view you as not a team player, ultimately affecting their decision about your suitability for the team.

By avoiding overly bragging and intimidating examples, you can convey a more collaborative and team-oriented approach, which is critical to building a positive rapport with potential future teammates.

Ⓒ Big Game Hunters, Asheville, NC 2024

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