Group interviews are common with many employers; but they can be a challenge for some candidates.  Interviewing with multiple individuals who have different personalities and interviewing styles can overwhelm even the most season interviewee. So how does a candidate ace the oftentimes high-paced and high-stress group interview?  Here are a few tips to consider:

1.      To help you better prepare for a group interview, try to get the names and titles of the individuals who will conduct the interview.  Take the time to research each person and determine how they fit into the company and in what capacity you would work with them if you were hired.

2.      While group interviews involving four or more people can make it challenging to remember the names of the interviewers, doing so will help you create a rapport with each of them.  Consider asking them their name before the interview begins and/or write their names on a sheet of paper in the order that they are seated.

3.      Remember to make eye contact with everyone in the group equally.  Try not to focus all or most of your attention on only one or two people. Also, don’t assume that you should give the most senior person the majority of your attention. Oftentimes the opinions of junior employees are very valued.

4.      If you are bombarded with more than one question at the same time, don’t panic, answer only one question at a time and then ask others to repeat their question.  If you need clarification on a question, don’t be afraid to ask. 

5.      Use silence and pauses as a tool.  Group interviews can be fast paced; but that doesn’t mean you should rush when asking or answering questions.  Take a deep breath before speaking and take the time to you need to articulate your thoughts clearly.