For many organisations looking to fill multiple vacancies, a group interview is an effective way to identify promising candidates…
But if you’ve never been to one, the idea of standing out from a crowd of other applicants can be a little daunting. How do you strike the balance between being a confident leader and a good team player? What are the interviewers actually looking for? And how do you stop yourself from getting lost in the group?
Luckily, if you approach it with the right attitude, a group interview can be a great way to show off your skills. To help you make the right first impression, here’s our guide on how to prepare for a group interview, complete with our top group interview tips:
“In group interviews, it’s important to strike a balance between confidence and collaboration. Contribute thoughtfully without dominating and actively listen to your peers. Employers are watching how you engage, so show respect for different perspectives while letting your own strengths shine through."
Carolyn Thompson, Senior Business Manager | Reed
What is a group interview?
A group interview is a common part of the recruitment process where multiple candidates are interviewed at the same time.
It often involves a series of tasks and activities, like group discussions, presentations, or problem-solving exercises. This format allows employers to see how you work with others, communicate, and handle pressure - all in a real-time, competitive environment.
Sometimes, it can also be a panel interview, where one candidate is interviewed by several people from the company.
Interview types: What you need to know
Why do employers use group interviews?
Employers use group interviews for a few key reasons.
Firstly, they’re efficient. When a company needs to hire for several similar roles at once - common in industries like retail, hospitality, and customer service - interviewing candidates in a group saves a lot of time.
Secondly, they provide a practical way to assess important soft skills. It’s one thing to say you’re a great team player on your CV; it’s another to prove it. A group interview gives you the chance to demonstrate your collaboration, leadership, and communication skills in action.
Employers can see how you interact, contribute ideas, and handle differing opinions, giving them a much clearer picture of how you’d fit into their team.
How to prepare for a group interview
Just like any other interview, preparation is key to success. Here are our top tips on preparing for a group interview:
1. Do your research
If you’ve prepared for your interview correctly, you should have already done plenty of research on the company and the role. Understand what the business does, its position in the market, and its company values. This knowledge will not only help you tailor your answers, but also allow you to ask insightful questions. Bonus points if you remember a recent news story about the company (‘I see you just won that big industry award…’).
2. Prepare for icebreakers
You’ll almost always be asked to introduce yourself. To avoid any awkward silences, prepare a short, engaging introduction beforehand. Think about a unique fact or a brief story that makes you memorable. Remember, ‘I’m not that interesting’ isn’t going to give you the start you need. If you can make them smile, you’re already ahead.
3. Practice group activities
Since group interviews often include activities or problem-solving tasks, it’s a smart move to practice these ahead of time. Team up with friends, family, or even fellow jobseekers and simulate a group challenge. Take turns leading, listening, and contributing ideas. Notice how comfortable (or not) you feel with each role - that way, you’ll be ready for anything they throw your way, whether it’s ‘build a tower with spaghetti’ or ‘solve a mock business problem’.
4. Prepare for common scenarios
Expect tasks that assess your ability to work under pressure, negotiate, or come up with creative solutions. Brush up on classic team challenges and think through your approach. For example:
- How would you handle conflicting opinions in the group?
- What would you do if one person dominated the discussion?
- Can you steer the group back on track if things derail?
Planning responses to these scenarios will help you stay calm and confident if (OK, when) things get competitive.
5. Get your outfit ready
Deciding what to wear for an interview can be tricky, but it’s always better to be slightly overdressed than too casual. A smart, professional outfit shows you’re taking the opportunity seriously. Just make sure you’re comfortable enough to move around - there’s nothing worse than trying to do a group task while being strangled by your own tie.
6. Manage your nerves
It’s normal to feel nervous - especially when you’re competing with other candidates right in front of you. Try some deep breathing (see also: mindfulness exercises) before you enter the room, focus on listening carefully, and remember: your goal isn’t to overpower everyone else, but to show you can work well with others. That’s what employers are really looking for.
How to deal with job interview stress
Group interview dos and don’ts
To help you navigate the dynamics of a group interview, here are some essential dos and don'ts.
Do:
- Arrive early: Punctuality is a must. Arriving ahead of schedule gives you time to settle in and chat with other candidates, showing off your social skills from the get-go. But don’t be too early - arriving before the hiring manager has had their morning coffee won’t win you any extra points.
- Pay attention to body language: Your body language speaks volumes. Sit up straight to appear attentive and engaged. Nodding and maintaining appropriate eye contact also show you’re listening.
- Be inclusive: Leadership isn’t just about talking the loudest; it’s about making sure everyone is heard. If you notice someone is quiet, try to bring them into the conversation. Encouraging others to share their ideas will score you major points with the interviewers.
- Praise good ideas: Acknowledge and build upon the good points made by others. Phrases like ‘That’s a great point, and we could also…’ show you’re a collaborative team player.
Don’t:
- Be fake: Interviewers are experienced and can spot when someone is trying too hard. Be genuine. Over-the-top laughter or pretending to be someone you’re not will come across as insincere.
- Talk over people: It’s tempting to raise your voice to get a point across, but interrupting others is a big no-no. It shows a lack of respect and poor teamwork skills. Wait for your turn to speak, and make your contributions thoughtful and articulate.
- Get lost in the group: While you shouldn’t dominate, you also don’t want to fade into the background. If a few candidates are taking control, don’t be intimidated. Find a moment to voice your opinion respectfully, even if it’s a counter-argument.
- Become too informal: Maintain a professional attitude throughout. Don’t swear, don’t call interviewers or other candidates ‘mate’, and avoid talking about your weekend antics. It’s an interview, not a night out.
- Lose concentration: Stay focused. Take notes, listen actively, and stay engaged. Avoid staring into space or, even worse, checking your phone. Your ability to concentrate shows your interest in the role.
- Be judgemental: Eye-rolling, snide remarks, or dismissive gestures have no place in an interview. Treat every candidate with respect. Recruiters are looking for team players, not someone who puts others down to get ahead.
Other things not to do: Make too much eye contact, insult the other interviewees, insult the interviewers, cry.
Five common job interview mistakes
How to answer group interview questions
During a group interview, you'll likely face a mix of standard questions and those designed for a group setting.
The key is to be concise, confident, and connect your answers back to the role and company. When others are speaking, listen carefully. You might be able to build on their answers or offer a different perspective, showing you’re an active listener. Try to be one of the first to answer a question at some point, as this demonstrates confidence and leadership potential.
For more detailed advice on what to expect, check out our guide to common group interview questions.
Questions to ask in a group interview
The ‘any questions?’ part of the interview is your chance to shine.
Asking thoughtful questions shows your engagement and interest in the company. Use the research you did earlier to formulate your questions. However, don’t ask a question just for the sake of it - if you genuinely can’t think of anything, it’s better to say nothing than to ask something irrelevant.
Need some inspiration? Here’s our list of great questions to ask at the end of an interview.
Six types of interviewers that you need to know
Frequently asked questions
What are the different types of group interview tasks?
Group interviews often include a variety of tasks and activities designed to test your skills in a practical way. Common examples include icebreaker games, case study discussions, problem-solving challenges, and group presentations. To find out more, read our guide to common group interview tasks and activities.
What is a pre-screen interview?
A pre-screen interview is a short, initial interview (often over the phone or video call) that recruiters use to quickly determine if a candidate meets the basic qualifications for a role before moving them to the next stage, which could be a group interview.
How do I stand out in a group interview?
Standing out is about quality, not quantity. Contribute thoughtful ideas, listen actively to others, and demonstrate both leadership and teamwork. Be inclusive by encouraging quieter members to speak. A positive attitude and genuine enthusiasm for the role will also make you memorable.
Is it okay to disagree with other candidates?
Yes, it’s fine to disagree, as long as you do it respectfully. A healthy debate shows you can think critically and aren't afraid to voice a different opinion. Frame it constructively, for example: 'I see your point, but have we considered this alternative approach?' This shows you value other perspectives while still being confident in your own.
Final thoughts
A group interview can seem intimidating, but it's a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate your skills in a way a traditional interview can't.
The secret is to strike the right balance. Be confident, but not arrogant. Be a leader, but also a team player. Be yourself, but the most professional version of yourself.
By preparing thoroughly and staying engaged, you can turn the pressure of a group setting into your moment to shine.
Competency-based interviews: What you need to know
Four things to take to a job interview
Ready to put your group interview skills to the test? View all of our current vacancies now.
