More and more organizations are using an initial group interview to save time and vet prospective candidates. Sometimes, they will not share that with candidates, resulting in the candidates being pretty surprised when they show up expecting to have a “one-on-one” with an employer and instead are sitting in a conference room with a bunch of other people.

Preparing for a group interview is much like preparing for a one-on-one interview: dress appropriately*, ask questions, prepare answers, research the company, turn off your phone and arrive early. The key difference with a group interview is the multiple perspectives you will be addressing. Here are some tips for a successful group interview:

1. Introduce yourself to everyone.

Be sure to shake hands and make eye contact with everyone who is interviewing you as well as the other attendees. Do not wait for an introduction; take the initiative and introduce yourself as they arrive. Be sure to speak clearly. Just because one person understood you doesn’t mean everyone else did.

2. Don’t focus on any one individual, and engage others.

Each person interviewing you has sway in the final decision. Exclusion can alienate members of the group; you should make steady eye contact with every member to avoid this. Some members may be more quiet than others or hesitant to participate. Give them opportunities to engage by asking if they have any additional questions or if you can clarify your answers.

3. Use body language.

In a group interview, you are under even more scrutiny than a one-on-one interview. Communicate your enthusiasm and confidence by sitting up straight, smiling, making strong eye contact, and avoiding excessive movement/hand gestures. You should also avoid fiddling with anything, such as a pen or water bottle. This is distracting and communicates nervousness and anxiety.

4. Communicate your value.

Although their end goal is the same, multiple perspectives mean that each person will be looking for something different in you. Throughout the interview, actively listen to what each person says. Formulate your answers in a way that clearly communicates benefits to the individual and how that can benefit the group as a whole.

5. Close the interview.

Be sure to shake everyone’s hand again and thank them for their time. Before you leave, you should ask what the next step is and gather any contact information.

*And since this is a column for women, and I know I am old-fashioned, but dress conservatively. No three-inch heels, no low-cut blouses, no jeggings or leggings. Hide the tattoos, take out any visible body jewelry, spit out your gum, and if you have a lot of hair, tie it up or otherwise keep it off your face. Remember what grandma said: “There is never another opportunity to make a good first impression”. I know some will disagree with me, but the key is to remember your audience.  

Katie Roth is the owner of Portico Staffing, which  matches top talent with the best companies in Central Iowa in the temporary, temporary to hire and direct hire markets.

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Find Roth on LinkedIn, on her website, or contact her by phone at 515-221-3233.