Interviews

[jae_hyung]

So i have an interview coming up in 2 weeks but the format is one that i am unfamiliar with
Usually, most of the interviews i've been to have been a one on one interview, but this interview is more of a group session
******heres a description from their website************
This half-day session helps us assess your initiative, problem solving, decision making, communication and leadership skills. Applicants break into small groups for a workplace simulation followed by one-on-one informal meeting with your assessor, lunch and an office tour.

Whilst I'm familiar with what's expected in the one on ones does anyone have any information/advice regarding the group assignment?
that is, what they are looking for.. I imagine they want people to stand out but at the same time, not be domineering. Is there anythin in particular i should be aware of?
It's very nerveracking atm :( and i want this job bad...

edit: just realised it would be helpful what kind of job it was hehe
Its an Accounting firm

[Mooney]

They will want to see how involved you are in the group sessions...Its a load of bull really, but they want to know how well you work in a group and what your explanations are for your reasoning etc...that probably doesnt make sense but meh :D

[oggy]

group interviews are a way of identifying potential team players...join in the activities they present. if you dont, you wont be a team player.
take charge of any situations, but only if you are prepared to stand for the small group...so know what you are doing if you put your hand up, if you dont know, then just join in.

i recon i could be going for a few interviews soon...

[Farnk]

Tee Hee, cattle call time!
I've been involved in some of these in the past.
There's no single tactic to use here, it depends on what the employer is after.
The group activities will be trying to examine interpersonal skills, intelligence, team work and leadership potential. (Who are natural followers or leaders, how people manage conflict, how people create networks to solve problems)

This is a fairly old method, it was V popular in the late 80s and 90's when the concept of emotional intelligence was all the rage in management circles.

When you get into the group activity I'd be looking to set myself up as the leader of the team, start immediately by starting the group discussion of the task / problem and then set tasks and delegate using very positive and encouraging feedback to the team members to get them to work together.

This will make a prospective boss wet with anticipation.

In the 1 on 1's, then it's all about building a relationship with the interviewer. Direct eye contact, positive tone of voice and looking for some common ground.

It would be interesting to hear whether or not the 1 on 1's are done with the new boss, or with a HR / Pimp agent. Usually the boss gets the results of the process in a report and then arranges 2nd round interviews with the top 2 or 3.

best o luck.

[evil]

Farnk pretty much nailed everything that you should try and do.Eye contact is important, and some interviewers, especially HR pros, will be able to watch your eyes and figure out when you're lying or being deceptive.

I've just been through the interviewing game and several of the jobs I've been for have been 7 or eight interviews spread across a couple of weeks. Not accounting, IT banking, but a similar world.

[jae_hyung]

wow thanks for all the advice fellas
its calmed my nerves down a bit

[Farnk]

wow thanks for all the advice fellas
its calmed my nerves down a bit

So, how did it go??