Group interview

trailingspouse

I've got an interview for a job on the tills at a well-know DIY store next week. There's a group-type interview, then a 1-to-1, then a presentation. I have no particular concerns about the 1-to-1 interview or the presentation - but I've never had a group interview before.
Apparently all the candidates are in the room together, and we're expected to interact and - well, and what? Any hints and tips would be most welcome. I'm guessing they'll be looking to see how well each of us works in a team - but how do you show that? I do work well in a team - but this feels like it will be such an artificial scenario that I'm not sure how to show myself to best advantage.

Nebulous2

I've used and set up a lot of group interviews in care. We did them in different ways, including; giving some general information and inviting non-personal questions about the role, to save repetition in individual sessions. Introduction to people they would be supporting and/or family members. To see how people reacted, were they respectful etc. Most often though we generated discussion. Values-based stuff, without clear right or wrong answers, to encourage people to talk.

We were looking for middle-of-the-road people. Not someone who took over, competed and spoke over others. Not someone who said nothing until the end then blurted out a few words in a panic. We asked in the individual interview how people had found the group and that was useful. Sometimes people who hadn't contributed very much gave a good explanation for why that was the case.

We didn't weight the group interview very highly. 20-25% of the total points, compared with twice that for the individual interview.

You are talking about a different industry with different managers and what I've said could bear no relation, but in very general terms it was rare for people to swing it in their favour based on the group interview, but it was more likely to rule them out, if they were brash and domineering for instance.

Manxman_in_exile

Nebulous2 wrote: »

I've used and set up a lot of group interviews in care. We did them in different ways, including; giving some general information and inviting non-personal questions about the role, to save repetition in individual sessions. Introduction to people they would be supporting and/or family members. To see how people reacted, were they respectful etc. Most often though we generated discussion. Values-based stuff, without clear right or wrong answers, to encourage people to talk.

We were looking for middle-of-the-road people. Not someone who took over, competed and spoke over others. Not someone who said nothing until the end then blurted out a few words in a panic. We asked in the individual interview how people had found the group and that was useful. Sometimes people who hadn't contributed very much gave a good explanation for why that was the case.

We didn't weight the group interview very highly. 20-25% of the total points, compared with twice that for the individual interview.

You are talking about a different industry with different managers and what I've said could bear no relation, but in very general terms it was rare for people to swing it in their favour based on the group interview, but it was more likely to rule them out, if they were brash and domineering for instance.

That's all that I would have said. The only other advice would be to "be yourself" and not try to behave differently from usual - hopefully in your case that will be a good thing.


Hint: you sometimes get posters on here who get very indignant and shirty at what they are told and seem to want to start (perhaps deliberately) some sort of argument. Don't behave like that - be respectful of others but be prepared to make your own points.

Neil_Jones

These things are normally "ice breaker" sort of things to see how you get on with a bunch of people you'e never met before - ie if you're friendly, you listen, you try and learn about them.

Easiest way to fail these in the modern era is sit there staring at your phone and ignoring everything else going on around you.

TELLIT01

Never had to go through a group style interview but suspect, as others have said, that it gives the recruiters the chance to see how you interact. Hopefully it won't include any form of role play as I absolutely hate stuff like that.

robatwork

Can I just confirm what you said which I have a problem understanding..... You have to do a presentation, for a job on the tills at B&Q / Homebase / Screwfix or similar?

trailingspouse

robatwork wrote: »

Can I just confirm what you said which I have a problem understanding..... You have to do a presentation, for a job on the tills at B&Q / Homebase / Screwfix or similar?

Yup. Yes, I was surprised too. But there it is. I think it's to see how good you would be at selling. I'm not too worried about that part (between now and Tuesday I'll have done two demonstrations lasting a lot longer than 2-3 minutes to members of the public who have actually paid to be there, in my volunteer role...) But as I said, I've never had a group interview before.

So basically I need to be myself, but also not too pushy/strident/quiet/shy. Right. And I guess it's a good idea to notice that someone else hasn't contributed much and make an effort to engage them? Hold your own if required, but without being defensive or belligerent? What could possibly go wrong!!

Nebulous2

trailingspouse wrote: »

Yup. Yes, I was surprised too. But there it is. I think it's to see how good you would be at selling. I'm not too worried about that part (between now and Tuesday I'll have done two demonstrations lasting a lot longer than 2-3 minutes to members of the public who have actually paid to be there, in my volunteer role...) But as I said, I've never had a group interview before.

So basically I need to be myself, but also not too pushy/strident/quiet/shy. Right. And I guess it's a good idea to notice that someone else hasn't contributed much and make an effort to engage them? Hold your own if required, but without being defensive or belligerent? What could possibly go wrong!!

That's about it. Engaging others who have not contributed would be very good, most people will be concentrating on themselves.

One additional suggestion would be don't regard it as a competition. They probably have several jobs for people who score highly enough in the selection process. They are likely to have an agreed points level or score to pass the assessment process. It isn't you against all-comers in a winner takes all situation. By working together you may be able to get several of you over the qualifying points level.

robatwork

If you're stuck, tell them you're an active member of the UK's leading employment and budgeting forums!

DCFC79

Not had an interview for a DIY chain but have done a few group interviews. You miht be asked to work in groups to build something eg a structure but only use newspaper, cellotape and scissors.

Dont just in the background and not contribute nor be too bossy, take over etc.

Savvy_Sue

For senior jobs, we've sometimes done what I call 'trial by lunch'. We get all the candidates to come to a group lunch, where staff are also present. The theory is that we (the staff) get to take a look at the candidates. And they get a chance to take a look at us. There is no formal weighting attached to this part of the day.



But I think it does tell you a little bit about how people are, in a group, whether they mingle or hide in a corner, etc.