What can I expect at a group interview?

What should i expect from a group interview?

• I've got an interview tomorrow for a cruise ship job working in retail, its going to be an individual interview and a group interview, what should i expect from the group part ...show more

• Answer:

  It sounds like you will be in a position where you will be either reporting to various people or working closely with various people, and they want them to have some input in the hiring process. I have done one or two of these before, with board members of a non-profit agency. The most important thing I can tell you is to look sharp and be confident. Have in mind some important points about yourself (hopefully they are highly visible on your resume) that you can talk about if they ask, or mention anyway if given a good opportunity. It's logical that being a "team player" may be a big deal if this is a group interview, so focus on qualities and experience you have that would sell well with that in mind. Try and make eye contact with each member of the panel during the course of the interview, and look for other ways to connect with each of them if you can. For instance, if any of them are from a town you've lived in, or went to the same alma mater, or whatever. You may or may not learn this, but I'm just saying be on the lookout for any natural connections. It may be one of those "formal" interviews with the really though-provoking questions--just be ready to "bs" them on whatever subject they bring up. Or, it may be more casual, with this team just wanting to get a feel for the candidates. You will begin to sense the tone of the intervew from the onset probably, and so you should be able to "dress up" or "relax" your answers and presentation style in order to match them--by that I mean the level of formality and professionalism you present vs. just "being yourself". There is usually a happy medium somewhere that seems to be the expected level--just try not to be too folksy with a stuffy corporate crowd or too formal with a more laid-back staff. I'm guessing the cruise ship might be the latter & they will be looking for energetic, enthusiastic customer-service oriented employees, but again, you should be able to get a sense of that shortly after you walk in the room and play it that way! But be careful about trendy styles, mannerisms, or slang that would make you seem immature or less than responsible in any way--stay professional and sound educated regardless of the level of formality. Don't be nervous--just let them see the best YOU you can present & you should do fine!