7 Tips to Make You Stand Out in a Group Interview

1. Arrive in good time

Punctuality in an employee is highly desirable. Leave home early enough to be absolutely sure you get to the interview on time. Arriving late will make you stand out – but in the wrong way.

Another advantage of arriving early is that you can meet the other candidates and get a sense of the competition. When chatting to them, you may learn something useful about the job.

There will be times when you don't know that you were going to be interviewed in a group beforehand. Arriving early will give you the time you need to calm down and collect your thoughts.

2. Prepare something to say about yourself

Usually in these group situations, the interviewer will ask everyone to introduce themselves. This may be by way of an icebreaker, but it could also just be going around the table.

This is a good opportunity to make a good impression. You could achieve this by saying something funny, but you should make sure that what you are going to say is not offensive in any way. You could also mention a hobby or something that will make you memorable to the interviewer.

In case the classic "What's Your Biggest Weakness?" question comes up, we have an article that will help you go through that.

3. Pay attention to how you look

Some companies have dress codes that you should be aware of. Make sure you are are comfortable in the clothes you're wearing, yet presentable. Some other companies like startups are usually more relaxed. Find here what to wear in your startup interview.

As a general rule, make sure your hair and nails are presentable too.

4. Pay attention to good manners

• Be nice to the other candidates and the interviewer.
• Use neutral language. Don’t refer to another candidate as “mate” or “dude”.
• Never swear, or say something that could offend any one’s race, culture, sexual orientation or religion. Also do not give your political views.
• Sit up straight. Don’t slouch, or sit in the chair as if you were at a friend’s home.
• Switch off your cell phone and don’t check it at all during the interview.
• Don’t let your mind wander.

Interviewers remember people who are inappropriate, or racist, or who use vulgar language – for the wrong reasons.

5. Be prepared to answer questions about the company and the job

The fact that you did homework for the interview by researching the company and the job will in itself make you stand out. It shows that you really want the job and were prepared to spend time educating yourself about it. You can research the company by reading newspapers or going online.

Also, it’s important to have read the job description thoroughly and have a good understanding of what the specific job you’re applying for entails.

This way you’ll be able to answer any questions about why you want this job, such as:

• What you think you can bring to this job?
• Why do you think you are the best candidate?
• What you know about the company's culture?

6. Listen to the interviewer and to the other candidates

• Be alert. Although you’re there to be interviewed, you need to be able to show that you are able to listen to information and instructions.
• Make eye contact with the speaker, whether it is the interviewer or another candidate.
• Take a notepad and a pen, and take notes, if appropriate.
• Don’t interrupt while someone is speaking and don’t speak over anyone.
• When other interviewees speak, listen intently to what they say. That way you won’t repeat what they say and if someone says something you agree with, you can say so. If someone says something you disagree with, you can politely say: “I have a different take on that…”

7. Ask questions

Asking questions during an interview is not always an easy task. You will stand out if you ask appropriate questions at the appropriate time. Here are some tips to asking questions:

• Have your list of questions prepared before you go. If they are asked by someone else, don’t ask the same question.
• Only ask questions if the interviewer invites you to.
• Don’t interrupt the speaker. Only ask a question if the speaker invites you to.

As much as you may desire a job, there is no guarantee that you will get it. But being prepared, listening, asking thoughtful questions and displaying a good attitude will all help you stand out in a group interview.

Author

Robert Morris is a freelance writer from New York. Now he works for best rated essay service. He writes about career, self-improvement, education and digital marketing. Follow Robert on Google+

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