How to Stand Out in a Group Interview

Group interviews can feel like a bit of a pressure cooker.

You’re not only trying to impress the interviewers but also sharing the spotlight with several other candidates at the same time. It’s competitive, fast-paced, and can be intimidating if you’re not sure how to handle it.

Group interviews can be daunting.

The good news? With the right approach, you can shine without coming across as pushy. Here’s how to stand out in a group interview setting.

1. First Impressions Still Count

From the moment you walk in, the interviewers are observing. Dress appropriately for the industry, offer a confident handshake, make eye contact, and smile. Simple gestures show you’re approachable and professional.

2. Strike the Balance Between Speaking Up and Listening

One of the biggest challenges is knowing when to contribute. You don’t want to dominate the conversation, but you don’t want to fade into the background either.

The trick is to:

• Speak clearly and with purpose when you have something valuable to add.

• Listen actively to others, nodding or acknowledging their points.

• Build on other candidates’ ideas rather than shutting them down.

This shows you can work in a team – a quality most employers are hunting for.

3. Showcase Leadership Without Being Overbearing

Leadership in a group interview doesn’t always mean taking control of every task. It can be as simple as:

• Keeping the group on track when discussions wander.

• Encouraging quieter candidates to share their thoughts.

• Summarising key points for the group.

These small actions can demonstrate leadership and collaboration in one go.

4. Be Mindful of Your Body Language

Interviewers will be watching how you interact as much as what you say. Positive body language can give you an edge:

• Sit upright, but stay relaxed.

• Maintain eye contact with both the interviewers and your fellow candidates.

• Avoid crossing your arms or looking distracted.

5. Prepare for Common Group Exercises

Many group interviews include problem-solving tasks, case studies, or role-play scenarios. To prepare:

• Practise thinking out loud – explain your reasoning clearly.

• Stay calm under time pressure.

• Focus on collaboration, not competition.

Employers want to see how you operate in a team, not whether you can “win” the activity.

6. Be Authentic

Above all, don’t put on an act. Group interviews reveal a lot about your natural behaviour, so trying to be someone you’re not usually backfires. Confidence, respect, and authenticity go a long way.

Final Thoughts

Standing out in a group interview is about more than just being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about striking the right balance – confident but not arrogant, collaborative but not invisible.

If you can show strong communication skills, teamwork, and genuine enthusiasm, you’ll leave a lasting impression.