Interview Type: Groups 

Group interviews involve you and multiple other candidates being evaluated simultaneously. The company may give presentations or run group exercises to assess how you interact with peers, take initiative, and handle pressure. 

Group interviews typically include: 

  • A company or role presentation to all candidates at once 
  • Work simulation exercises (problem-solving tasks, team projects) 
  • Individual assessments during group activities 

Employers use this format to evaluate: 

  • Communication: Can you explain your thinking clearly and listen to others? 
  • Teamwork: Do you collaborate or try to dominate? 
  • Leadership: Do you step up without needing a title? 
  • Stress management: How do you handle pressure and ambiguity? 
  • Interpersonal skills: Are you someone people want to work with? 

Before the interview begins: 

Introduce yourself to the other candidates. Be friendly and genuine. The interviewer watches how you interact during downtime, and starting positive sets a collaborative tone. 

During the activities: 

  • Actively participate without dominating. Contribute ideas, ask questions, help move the group forward. 
  • Listen as much as you speak. Show that you’re genuinely considering others’ input, not just waiting for your turn to talk. 
  • Watch nonverbal communication. Maintain open posture. Avoid appearing disengaged or dismissive of peers. 
  • Pay attention to all the interviewers, not just one. Make eye contact with different observers to show you’re aware of the room. 
  • Support others’ ideas if they’re good. “I like that approach because…” This shows collaboration and confidence. 
  • Ask clarifying questions if the task is unclear. This demonstrates critical thinking and prevents the group from going off track. 

Group problem-solving exercise 

The group gets a business problem or case and works together to solve it. Your role: contribute analysis, synthesize ideas, and help the group reach a clear recommendation. 

Group presentation task 

The group prepares and delivers a presentation on a topic or case. Your role: take on a part willingly, support the group’s coherence, and present your section clearly. 

Role-playing or simulation 

The group plays out a workplace scenario (customer service, teamwork, conflict). Your role: play your assigned role authentically and show how you’d actually handle it. 

Leaderless discussion 

A topic or question is posed , and the group discusses it. Your role: share your perspective, build on others’ ideas, and help the group reach insights—without needing someone to manage the discussion. 

  • Don’t interrupt or talk over others 
  • Don’t dismiss ideas without hearing them fully or explaining why 
  • Don’t try to take over the group 
  • Don’t stay silent hoping no one notices you 
  • Don’t compete with other candidates visibly 
  • Don’t show frustration or impatience with peers 

Thank everyone for the conversation and exchange contact information if possible. If you make a genuine connection with another candidate, a brief follow-up email isn’t inappropriate—but don’t try to network your way around the evaluation.

How to Start 

  1. Practice explaining your ideas clearly and concisely 
  1. Work on your listening skills—before you respond to someone’s idea, pause and understand their main point 
  1. Reflect on how you naturally operate in groups: Do you lead, support, analyze, or coordinate? Understand your strengths 
  1. Use Big Interview to practice communication and scenarios 
  1. Research what format to expect (problem-solving, presentation, role-play, leaderless discussion) so you can prepare appropriately 

How We Can Help 

Drop in or set up an appointment with a Career Counselor to: 

  • Discuss how to prepare for group interviews 
  • Help you find your balance between contributing ideas and supporting group dynamics 
  • Work through common group formats (problem-solving, presentation, leaderless discussion, role-play) 
  • Refine your nonverbal communication and presence in group settings 
  • Build confidence so you can speak up and contribute without dominating the conversation 

Questions? 

Reach out to Career Design at huskycareers@northeastern.edu or visit the Career Studio for additional guidance.