Group job interview?

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   janesixposted 8 years ago

   I just got back from a group job interview at Fred Meyer. I have never heard of this, is this a new thing they're doing? There were like 7 or 8 other interviewees there. We were asked questions that we had to answer in front of everyone else. It was nerve-wracking and embarrassing.
   
   This was like ten times worse than a regular interview. It was weird to say the least. I have no idea if I did well. I was really nervous, I hope it didn't show.

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      oceansnsunsetsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Jane, I think it might be something that is a bit new with some companies.  Rest assured though, as my husband went on such an interview, (he is pretty shy and uncomfortable in those situations), and was offered the job actually.  So just doing your best will come through, and I think they take all things into consideration.  I wouldn't assume that because it was uncomfortable or whatever, that it meant it showed or that you did poorly or anything.
      
      I wish you the best!  The hardest part of working in my opinion, is job searching.  I can only do a little bit at a time, lol.

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         janesixposted 8 years agoin reply to this

         Thank you:) Job interviews are really hard for me. I really want this job though. Partially so I can stop looking. And they have good benefits.

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   Kathryn L Hillposted 8 years ago

   poor you, Jane.
   I applied at Blank (I am drawing a blank on the name of the store. I won't even shop there anymore) for a summer job and had to sit with eight others in a group interview. No one warned me before hand, say, over the-phone. I had no way to prepare. It was disgusting because we were all trying to out do-one another. Well, I got really rebellious and blew the whole deck of cards right out of the water including the arrogant interviewers.
   They laughed at me when I left.

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      janesixposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I'm sorry you had such a hard time.
      
      There were a couple of obnoxious women there, laughing etc and talking too much. There were also a couple not dressed appropriately. Jeans and t shirts! I'm sure they won't get second interviews.

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         Kathryn L Hillposted 8 years agoin reply to this

         At my interview they were ALL dressed way over the top, in my opinion. (better than me)  Oh, it was Pier One.

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   Aime Fposted 8 years ago

   I'd say half of the interviews I've done have been group interviews. I actually like them way more than one-on-one interviews, I find them less stressful for some reason.
   
   I think that depending on the job it's important to see how people handle group situations.
   
   Every question I've been asked at a group interview is something I'd expect to be asked in a solo interview so I don't find that preparation is much different.
   
   I'd say that in my experience most people in group interviews are visibly nervous so I wouldn't worry too much about it. As long as you had solid answers to the questions then you'll be fine.

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      Kathryn L Hillposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      So, did you get the job?

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         Aime Fposted 8 years agoin reply to this

         I got 2/3 of them. First one I didn't get because I was applying for a job I had no prior experience in. But it helped me get a feel for group interviews so that was good!

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   jacharlessposted 8 years ago

   Yup. I have actually done this with my two StartUp Co's.
   Creating a "Social Interview" environment does many things for both the Interviewer and Interviewees. First, it is very fun. Much more interactive and engaging. If kept flowing, it becomes almost a focus group discussion, as the Q/A goes around the room plus stimulates ideas for the company be it new approaches, products or policies/best practices. On the flip side, provides the interviewee with social speaking skills, pushes them past fear, stimulates stronger mentality and sense of purpose.
   
   I found it takes the "edge" off of most candidates one-on-one nervousness. Because, let's be honest about it, the candidate isn't going to be working one-on-one within the daily operations of the business. They will be constantly interacting with fellow employees, customers, higher-ups and third parties.
   
   Additionally, we can see how one person's answers causes instant reaction and response from the other candidates. Because they are on-the-spot, unable to predesign their responses, much more true-nature/true philosophy of the person shows up and provides an emotional, professional and psychological profile of the candidate. It is also refreshing to see the candid interaction before, during and especially after the interview is over.
   
   I think many StartUp Co's are going this direction. It's a good thing too.
   
   James.

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