Got an invite to a group interview? Nervous on how to handle those psychological questions? Read on for some answers to common questions.
This week we'll focus on how to handle those seemingly tricky and psychological questions/situations at group job interviews.
Q. I've got the job interview! But I was told it would be a group interview - and I'm scared!
A. Group interviews are scary - but can be used to your advantage. First of all, often the group interview is used to cut down on time, and to get immediately to the final contenders. It's a kind of sneaky way to see how each individual acts within a group setting as well as with/against other competitors, in a minimal amount of time. Are you the "go getter" at any cost - willing to put down others to gain for yourself? Are you a very meek person, willing to do whatever is asked (within reason) without question? Depending on the job, both these reactions might be just what the employer is looking for!
Usually, though, the employer is looking for someone who can handle the pressure and still shine, without being rude to others. The best bet? Be yourself - and try to take part in the discussions as much as possible. If you need to disagree with what someone else has said - DO IT, but be tactful (ie - "in my experience I have found a different solution than the one just mentioned").
Sometimes, though, these group interviews are a pressure test and ego inflator for the interviewer. Don't be caught into that trap - if you find the interviewer seems to be trying to create disagreement, ask yourself if that's the kind of company you want to work for. If that's what the interview is like, can you imagine what working for that company will be like?
Q. I've just had a job interview, and I think I blew it on one of the questions - and I'm still not sure how I should have answered. I was asked what kind of / which cartoon character I am, and why. I don't think of myself as a cartoon character at all, and I said so. The interviewer kept pressuring me, so I finally said "Snoopy, because he's always happy and industrious" (it's also about the only cartoon character I could think of at the time!) Should I not have been honest? The interviewer sniffed at my answer and wrote some quick notes while shaking his head.
A. Welcome to the world of psychological questions - and here's how you answer them: honestly - as you did! ALL psychological questions are designed to see how you see yourself - and it does NOT matter HOW you see yourself - just how you DID answer the question. Do you get upset at the question? Do you think about an answer and then give one that seems honest? Do you take too long to give an answer? How do you react to the questioner?
The interviewer is looking to see HOW you answer the question, not as much on the actual answer. There is no magic answer, and there shouldn't be. It's just a question designed to see if you can think on your feet.
The above question is an old one, but you will probably get some version of it - often inexperienced interviewers use these type of questions because they are not comfortable in their own role of interviewer, and lack the proper tools/questions for a more appropriate session.
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Copyright May 4, 2007. Paym Bergson and Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use of this material will constitute an infringement of copyright.
