Are group interviews the new thing? (apply, average, interview, jobs)

[jamaicabound60565]

Seems like more and more companies are starting to do group interviews where they interview like 6 to 8 people at a time.

Has anyone ever been to an interview like this? What did you think of it? I recently had an interview like this and found it to be a very strange way to interview.

[NYChistorygal]

It's a lot easier than repeating yourself 6 times. I was just on one that had 3 people. Would have been 5, but two were on vacation. the HR person did this so I wouldn't have to sit through 3 separate - but similar - discussions.

[seain dublin]

Originally Posted by NYChistorygal

It's a lot easier than repeating yourself 6 times. I was just on one that had 3 people. Would have been 5, but two were on vacation. the HR person did this so I wouldn't have to sit through 3 separate - but similar - discussions.

I don't think that is what the OP meant. You're talking about a panel interview where you have a few people from the company interview the one candidate. Those have been around for years.

The OP I believe is talking about several candidates being interviewed at the same time. I agree that would be strange.

[artsyguy]

They are assessing for homogeneity and they are cutting corners. Run for the hills.

[Chatteress]

I'm grateful that I have manage to avoid this type of interview ... It's nerve-wracking enough to interview for a job in front of a group of interviewers but even worse when you have to interview in front of your competitors. I don't think that I nor the average candidate would perform well if we had to interview with other candidates.

[Ron.]

My last interview was on Friday.........it was not a group interview but 2 managers interviewed me at once.

But to answer your question, no it's not new.

[Ron.]

Originally Posted by Chatteress

I'm grateful that I have manage to avoid this type of interview ... It's nerve-wracking enough to interview for a job in front of a group of interviewers but even worse when you have to interview in front of your competitors. I don't think that I nor the average candidate would perform well if we had to interview with other candidates.

It becomes a pissing match. It's really a god awful way to treat people. I'm making 2011 my last year of working for people. I can't stand it anymore.

The stuff that you have to do to get a job is insane.

Good luck!

[ReturningWest]

One of the jobs I interviewed for recently was an entry level phlebotomy job had two interviews the first with 3 managers and the second with 4 "peers"...a lot of pressure for an entry level position with only a HS diploma required.

Didn't get the job though I know I interviewed well, the big manager told me I was 'one of the top' canidates and please continue to apply for jobs at their hospital.

[phonelady61]

Oh wow I hate these types of interviews and if I find out that they are group interviews before the time then I walk out I dont appreciate the invasiveness of it but also the fact that you are not allowed to showcase your talents individually . I hope these are not images of what is to come with interviews .

[annerk]

I had a group interview for a retail job 30 years ago. It helps weed out the wall flowers and those who try to dominate the conversation.