Purpose of group interviews

[lostfaith]

Please can someone explain the purpose of group interviews with more than one candidate - does this mean they're looking for more than one person?

[furiosa]

I had a group interview a few years ago. I still don't fully understand it, but there was a massive mirror on one of the four walls, and looking back now I imagine it was a 2-way mirror. We sat around a table for about 20 mins before any management turned up, so I imagine they were watching how we interacted with each other, who was the natural leader, who was the weak one, etc.

 

So I guess the purpose of group interviews is to see what floats and what sinks, who can work together as a team, who is in it for themselves.

 

It's a bit brutal, but quite sensible from an employer's perspective really if you think about it.

[Emmzzi]

sometimes, sometimes not. Listen, look interested, ask questions, remember people's names, see if anyone is trying to speak and not getting a chance and help them out. Thse are usually the skills sought. Unless it's a managment job, in which case, leadership!

[san_d]

I've stopped going to group interviews. They're a waste of time for the jobseeker.

[ericsbrother]

They reduce the time spent making the wrong decisions but can only be valid in a small range of jobs. I went to one once, it seemed to be like some therapy session. The purpose was to find suitable candidates for 2 jobs but they needed different qualities so I couldnt see why they used that screening method.

[san_d]

A group interview is like an orgy, but with the performance anxiety and without all the fun.

[lostfaith]

no for job interview - very disappointed not given chance as had worked there before hoped been a good thing

[SabreSheep]

I've stopped going to group interviews. They're a waste of time for the jobseeker.

 

Not exactly a constructive approach towards a method of recruitment that is widely used.

 

What are your objections to them? Why are they a "waste of time"?

[san_d]

Not exactly a constructive approach towards a method of recruitment that is widely used.

 

What are your objections to them? Why are they a "waste of time"?

 

Are you serious? What has the constructive approach got to do with my time? I've been to almost hundreds of them and they all revealed a waste of my time. How do you construct on that?

[SabreSheep]

You have not stated *WHY* you hold the opinion you do.

"What are your objections to them? Why are they a "waste of time"?"

[Emmzzi]

Sorry to hear that lostfaith. Keep plugging away.

[SabreSheep]

no for job interview - very disappointed not given chance as had worked there before hoped been a good thing

 

ALso im sorry to hear you did not get the responce you were hoping for.

 

Did you or are you going to try and chase some feedback? That way some good can come out of it

[lostfaith]

People are using my temp work as excuses that not shown commitment enough - I have always been in work long as I can - only just being forced with constructive dismissal due to an injury no fault of my own - employers fault and forced out and name calling - discrimination six years ago.

[SabreSheep]

Ok I can see how people may use that as a negative.

You need to find a way to sell it as a positive.

 

"By being a temp in various different environments I have proven my ability to adapt to any organisation and work well with different teams." Just one example