Group interviews are used by large employers who are aiming to fill multiple vacancies. They are frequently used by advertising agencies and marketing and communication firms when selecting graduate trainees or junior marketers, for example. Inviting a group of 5 to 8 people to take part in a discussion has proved a time and cost-effective way of identifying promising candidates.
These group interviews may be part of a wider assessment day. Employers say they’re a good way to compare and contrast candidates, spot shy retiring types or people that are extremely opinionated, all of which will help find the right individuals for the company in question. Group interviews also demonstrate how each person works as part of a team, how they interact with others, and how they perform under pressure.
Some of us are more comfortable than others in a group setting. Certainly, trying to stand out from the crowd – when the competition is tough – can be a daunting prospect. However, if you approach a group marketing interview with the right attitude, it can be an effective way of demonstrating first hand your skills and personality.
Often the discussion begins with everyone introducing themselves and answering a really general question, such as what’s your favourite holiday destination or website, and why? Then it might be that three or four general topics are thrown out for discussion. These tend to be topical issues, so make a special effort to read the papers coming up to it. Often this stage of the assessment is not about finding out what you know about marketing, but that’s not always the case. If you can, find out beforehand roughly what the focus of the discussions will be.
So what are they looking for?
In the case of marketing job group interviews, it will help to show you have sensible opinions and can think laterally, creatively and quickly, and hold your own in a debate. Subjects may not have a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answer. Often the questions are quirky and unpredictable. Be ready for questions such as ‘What’s the difference between The Spectator magazine and The Economist?’, ‘Who do you think should have ownership of graffiti art?’, ‘Will the BBC exist in 20 years’ time?’
And remember that, although it may not feel like it, you’re interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you in this group scenario. A firm might not suit you, just as you may not suit a particular firm, and this situation will certainly help both parties decide!
Do
Be articulate – Marketing interviewers are looking for good communicators, and people with interesting things to say. Go in with some clear ideas about what you’d say regarding the big news events of the week, for instance, so that you articulate your views well on the day.
Plan your ‘icebreaker’ introduction – Before any of the discussion points are introduced, you’ll probably be asked to introduce yourself. So always prepare your answer beforehand, making sure your intro is pertinent, interesting and not too long-winded.
Be ready to talk about yourself – Think out what you would say in response to some obvious questions. For instance – who would your dream dinner party guests be, dead and alive? What is your favourite film and why? Name three songs on the soundtrack to your life. What is your favourite novel and why?
Grab the opportunity – Sometimes it’s hard to get a word in edgeways in these group interviews, so make sure you’re not squeezed out by others! The sooner you can make a point and show you have plenty of valuable things to say, the better. Sitting back and listening won’t get you anywhere.
Don’t
Get into an argument – These discussions have probably been designed to provoke a mix of responses, so don’t be the one with the most extreme view, or risk upsetting others by putting down their views. Try to balance enthusiasm with being cool and collected.
Get tongue-tied – Everyone wants to have their say, but try and stay calm and speak clearly and concisely.
Be false – Assessors want to see the real you, not someone acting out how they think a marketing executive would behave in a group discussion.
Ignore others – Remember this is partly about how you interact as part of a team. If there is an introvert in the group, use this as an opportunity to show you can be inclusive, courteous and encouraging. By bringing them into the discussion will help demonstrate your leadership qualities – good leaders excel at involving everyone around them.
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