Effective Group Interview

Nowadays, it is observed that more and more employers are using group interviews in addition to panel interviews to select suitable candidates. Then what is group interview?

Group Interview

It involves a group of candidates working together to solve a problem or agree a decision, simulating a working environment; or involves candidates to discuss or express ideas/opinions on a specific topic.

It is a valuable source of information on how group members behave in meeting/discussion and when working in a team.

What does Group Discussion/Exercise Measure?

	Influencing Skills
	Interpersonal skills
	Verbal Communication

	Team Work
	Leadership Skills
	Quality of Contribution

What is the format?

A topic will be given to the candidates for discussion. The duration will be normally an hour. Candidates will be observed by a number of observers during the discussion.

The Role of Observers

	Observe and record during the discussion
	Classify and evaluate the qualities observed after the discussion

Positive Behaviour in Group Discussion

	Initiating
	Clarifying
	Encouraging
	Active listening

	Information and opinion giving
	Harmonizing
	Compromising
	Summarizing

Negative Behaviour in Group Discussion

	Displaying aggression
	Attention seeking

	Blocking
	Withdrawing

Common Mistakes

	Talk too much without active listening to others
	Too conscious of the presence of observers
	Merely act as facilitator and contribute little in discussion
	Hesitate to disagree even with good reasons
	Inappropriate non-verbal communication, e.g. volume of voice, facial expression, eye contact, posture, etc
	Too nervous