I Hate Group Interviews

Posted by
Paym Bergson
May 4, 2007

I've been on both sides of the group interview, and I don't like either!

As an interviewer, I have often found the "hiring" company is really too cheap to bother to interview all potential candidates, or even screen for the true potential candidates. So they ask for a group interview to be set up. (by the way - once I see how the company handles/wants to handle the group interview, I usually do NOT accept a contract again from that company. I have my own standards to maintain).

If the company insists on a group interview, I try to steer them away from too many psychological questions. Usually I've had to do group interviews for office work or entry level positions, but I've facilitated a few for specific retail positions . These interviews are to find out if the person really does know the expected information or really has the knowledge for the position - so I try to concentrate on that while seeing reaction to a group situation. I also know not everyone reacts well in a group interview, but might be a perfect fit for the company!

Being on the receiving end is worse. Often the interviewer doesn't really have a clue about what their real objective is (find the right person/people for the job) and use it as a control or ego session. Yes, I still go on these group interviews (occassionally) so that I will remember what it's like - and use that knowledge to an employer's advantage for the next "hiring" contract.

Just remember - you ARE still in control. Think about your answer, and answer honestly. Use the time to see how the interviewers handle themselves - and don't be afraid to ask if they are actual employees of the company or "professional" contract interviewers (if you put it that way, you will probably get an honest answer). If the interviewer gives you a smart or short retort - they obviously do not want to be there - do you want to work for that kind of company?

Also, a quick reminder - if you are asked to bring your references to this kind of interview - DO NOT GIVE it at the beginning - wait to see how the process goes, and if you do not like what you see, don't hand in your references. You DO NOT want your references bothered by someone you don't want to work for.

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