A group interview is a data collection method in which two or more people participate. Group interview definition
Generally, this process is carried out in a work environment, and consists of bringing a candidate together with other people who belong to different departments of the organization with the aim of getting to know him or her, or bringing together several candidates at the same time with an interviewer and evaluate their development.
The interview as a data collection method is very popular, for example for the recruitment of employees, since it allows the candidate to be seen from different points of view, and to discover in a short time if the person is suitable to fill the position within the organization.
The group interview is also widely used in qualitative research, for example through discussion forums or focus groups.
Types of group interviews
There are many group interview methods that organizations use, it all depends on how traditional they are and their goals. Here we mention each of them: Group interview definition
Interviews with multiple interviewers: This type of interview is carried out with the objective of evaluating a person who will collaborate with different departments of the organization, so it is necessary to involve them all. In this way, each one will be able to ask the necessary questions to see how they are developing and evaluate their behavior in a general way.
Multiple Candidate Interviews: This is an interview where a Human Resources employee is tasked with evaluating a group of candidates at the same time. Sometimes the interview is complemented by an activity where the recruiter can evaluate the collaborative skills of each of the participants.
Advantages
Among the main advantages of conducting a collaborative or group interview are the following:
- It saves you time getting to know candidates, so the job can be filled faster.
- You can compare the candidates with each other and determine who is the best fit for the position and who is not. Group interview definition
- It allows you to know the way in which candidates develop interacting with other people and working as a team.
Disadvantages
- You don’t have enough time to get to know the candidates individually.
- Participants who dominate the interview may stand out even though they don’t have the skills required for the position.
- Sometimes, the interviewer tends to confuse the candidates or cannot identify them at the time of the analysis. Group interview definition
Tips for interviewers a group interview
Here are some strategies for you to help you with your group interview process:
- Define your questions before entering the interview:
Among the questions most used by recruiters are the following:
- How would you describe yourself?
- Why do you want this job?
- What interested you about our company?
- What can you offer the company?
- How do you work as a team?
- What are your goals?
- Call candidates by name:
Being able to identify them by name will help you to easily carry out the interview and write down the comments of each one of them. Group interview definition
- Give the floor to everyone:
Allow all candidates a chance to answer each of your questions. For this you may want to set a time limit per person and have the opportunity to meet each of them.
- Record responses in real time :
Carrying out a correct evaluation of the results will only be possible if you record them in real time. Otherwise you can lose valuable information that affects the results.
You can use a data collection software such as QuestionPro where you have loaded all the questions that you are going to apply and answer what the participants tell you. At the end you will be able to do an analysis of the data and have an automated report of the responses.
Tips for interviewees a group interview
If you are going to attend a group recruiting interview, we have some tips for you to help you get through it successfully. Group interview definition
- Prepare in advance: Take the time to prepare for the interview by reviewing the questions that can be asked, make a list of questions that you want to ask, measuring your response times. This will help you to be relaxed.
- Learn to listen: An important point is to be a good listener. Listen to what the interviewer and the other participants have to say so that when your turn comes you respond without repeating what others said.
- Lead the conversation : This doesn’t mean you want to overshadow others or demean their work. Rather, include others in your answer and be sure to give them credit in front of the interviewer.
- Think of yourself as the perfect candidate: Show your skills and what distinguishes you from other people, but remember to always be yourself. Group interview definition
Group interview for market research
A group interview is also a widely used method in market research. The process, also known as a focus group , consists of bringing together a group of people who are part of the target audience for the purpose of sharing their comments and starting a discussion about a product and service.
In a group interview, the researcher has a moderating role, his questions are the beginning of a debate and his focus is on the answers that the clients offer, rather than on their personality and behavior.
Advantages of conducting a group interview for market research
A group interview has great advantages. Among them are the following:
- It is possible to know the real needs of your target audience.
- It allows you to obtain the best insights through the discussions that are generated between the participants. Group interview definition
- Research costs, unlike other methods, are lower.
- It is a process that allows you to collect qualitative data efficiently and in a short time.
