Group interview questions and how to stand out

We’ve talked about questions to ask in an interview, but what about when you’re the one answering the questions as part of a group interview? What sorts of questions might the interviewer ask in a group setting?

Below are some common group interview questions you’re likely to be asked, as well as general tips to help you stand out in your next group interview.

Common group interview questions

If you’re being interviewed with others, chances are interviewers want to see how well you work in a team environment and will have you complete some form of team exercise. With that in mind, some of the most common interview questions you can expect to hear include:

1.Why was your team successful?

Once you complete a team activity successfully, mention the ways in which you worked together to overcome obstacles and what resources you used to do so. In this instance, interviewers want to see that you understand why the team worked well together and recognise everyone’s contributions.

2.Why did your team struggle with this task?

If you weren’t successful in completing a group task, identify the roadblocks you encountered, using specific examples where possible, and avoid blaming other team members. Talk about ways you would approach the task differently in future to tackle the situation more effectively.

3.How did you contribute to the team’s performance?

This is more of a personal question, so it’s a good opportunity to highlight your key strengths, such as problem-solving, taking initiative, and effective communication. Focus on showing how your individual skills were vital to the team’s broader efforts.

4.How did you overcome challenges during the task?

Interviewers want to see how well you’re able to work under pressure and respond to problems. If you encounter any issues during a team exercise, don’t blame other team members, but instead focus on how you used your skills – such as flexibility and mediation – to help iron out those issues.

5.How would your teammates describe you?

Think about the interpersonal style you used to collaborate with other team members during the exercise. What key skills did you bring to the table to facilitate success or aid group cohesion? Here you can talk about your key strengths in the form of personal traits. For example, you might say “My teammates would say I’m flexible and easy to get along with, and I’m always up for a challenge because I enjoy solving problems.”

Tips to stand out in a group interview

Being successful in a group interview isn’t always about being the loudest person in the room. Instead, you want to show that you’re a great team player and can take the lead when it’s needed, but also let others take charge when it’s appropriate. Above all, you should:

·         Be prepared – Research the company ahead of time – its products, services, culture, and strategic framework – to ensure you’re best prepared to take on the task at hand and make meaningful contributions to the discussion.

·         Be a leader and a listener – Take charge and show initiative when the situation calls for it, but be prepared to step back and listen to other people’s contributions as well.

·         Be respectful – A major factor in determining your employability is whether you’re respectful to others. Take the opportunity to speak when it’s available but avoid dominating the conversation or talking over the top of other people.

·         Ask questions – Asking questions shows that you’re genuinely interested. While you may not want to discuss specifics like KPIs in a group interview setting, you can still ask broad questions about the task at hand, the company, and the role at the appropriate time.

·         Send a thank you note – An easy and effective way to be remembered is by following up after the interview with a short email thanking the employer for their time.

Taking part in a one-on-one interview as well? Here are 18 common interview questions and how to answer them.