What are the Best Group Interview Tips?

Among the best group interview tips are those that involve participating in a way that demonstrates confidence and desirable qualities but doesn’t make the interviewee seem too domineering. Other helpful tips include such things as asking questions and paying attention to the discussion, even when the interviewee has not been asked a question. A job candidate may also do well to maintain eye contact when answering questions during a group interview. Additionally, an interviewee may keep his name fresh in the minds of his interviewers by sending thank-you notes after the interview is over.

One of the best group interview tips is to strike the right balance between participating in the discussion and answering questions. An interviewee shouldn't dominate the interview, but it is usually best for a candidate to avoid appearing too quiet or as if he has nothing to offer. Striking the right balance may show that he is confident and capable of adding something beneficial to the company but also capable of getting along with others.

Some group interview tips involve asking questions rather than answering them. If an interviewee has an opportunity to ask questions during a group interview, he may do well to ask one or two. By asking questions, he may make himself stand out in the eyes of those giving the interview. It is important to ask questions that do not have obvious answers and have not already been answered in the course of the discussion, however. The interviewers may develop an opinion of the job candidate based on whether or not his questions seem intelligent.

It may also prove important to make eye contact during a group interview. If a job candidate does not provide eye contact, he may appear less than forthright or uncomfortable with face-to-face contact; good eye contact also makes a job candidate appear more confident. If a job candidate is interviewed by a panel of people instead of just one person, he may do well to focus mostly on the person who has asked the question but look around at the other interviewers as well. This may give the appearance that he is including all of the interviewers in his answer.

A job candidate may also do well to stay alert and maintain an appearance of interest, even when one of the other job candidates is being interviewed. If an interviewee looks bored and disinterested, this may count as a mark against him. Additionally, an interviewer may ask a question that pertains to another job candidate's answer or even ask whether or not the interviewee agrees with another job candidate's answer. A candidate can remain prepared during the interview by paying close attention to all of the answers.

Many experts also include thank-you cards when giving group interview tips. Thank-you cards may keep a job candidate's name fresh in the interviewers' minds. To do this, however, an interviewee may have to obtain each person’s name and contact information prior to the interview or before he leaves the interview session.