How to handle group interviews?

1. Types of group interveiwers.

The Networking Cocktails -
usually done in big groups of 30-100, potential candidates will come to meet the interviewers or the hiring mangers to listen to their general introduction about the company and for the candidates to have informal  discusssions with the hiring mangers to ask questions about the job before applying.  Food or drinks may be provided. You may eat/drink but don't just focus on the food/drinks. Focus on asking the right questions to lern about the job. Asking about about what questions will be asked during the real interview is like annoucing your own death sentence as far as group interview is concerned as it presents a very bad impression to the employers. Try to be enthusiastic , positive and open to learn about new things and how the job is about.

The Panel Discussions -
usually done in smaller groups of  2 -7 people. One or more interviewers will ask a general questions to the group and expect any of the canddiates to answer. Sometimes the interviewers plays the role of a facilitator and may help to redirect some questions to the candidates who have not had a chance to speak, but this is not always the case. This is to test the interpersonal skill of candidates, how they work in a group (teamwork) and how self-initiative the candidate is.

The Group Projects -
usually done in a smaller group of 2 - 10 people. The interviwer will give each individual a set of project material with information about the project, what questions need to be solved, etc.
Do not take for granted that the project materials given to each candidate in the group will be the same. Sometimes, it could be different. Candidates are given some time to read the material. Then must start collobrating with one another to complete the project. Candidates may be given a business issue, and ask  to recommend or choose a solution, and how to execute the solution. Sometimes, it is required to put the answers on a hand written report. Sometimes, only verbal presentation is required at the end of the allowed time. The interviwers will be observing the candidantes to note how they collaborate with one another to solve the problem. This is to understand how candidates performs in  a simulated work environment, who has leadership potential or other characteristics that will fit the role that the company is hiring for.



2. Why group interviews?
Individual interviews may not reflect the true characteristics of the canddiates as canned response to questions are so easy to be prepared , memorized and played back.
Employors want to see the real you. and how you perform in a team. What you really know. Who you really are. Do you have potential to be a real leader, or you have poor teamwork.

3. Do
be polite
voice out your opinion
stand for your view point
come to a consensus
be a leader
take care of others
use your toastmasters skills

4. Don't
just sit there, say something
be shy
be arrogant
be a fake leader
lose it
vote for a solution

5. Preparation
Research about the company and the industry
Recap your experience that relates to the company or the industry
Practice by visualizing the group interview in your mind