Success in Hiring with the Group Interview

Through one of my clients, I learned about the group interview technique.  Basically, it is an interview of a few candidates all at the same time, conducted by the key members of your team.  I loved the idea and had experience with it from my time in the Army, so I recommended it to another client.  Additionally, I've always said the best way to turn around a company is by building a winning team.

This past week, this client of mine conducted the group interview of five candidates.  The candidates were all very qualified and professional.  I was very impressed.  To interview them all separately would have taken about 2-3 hours.  In doing it as a group, we were able to get all five done in forty-five minutes.

Here's how to conduct a group interview for a new hire:

1. Let them all know about the process ahead of time.
2. Make a location which will accommodate the candidates and your team
3. Have a list of good questions ready to go.
4. As you ask the questions, allow your team to ask follow ups.
5. Direct each new question to a different candidate, to be sure they all get a chance to speak up.
6. Do NOT force them to compete directly with each other.

I have found over time that there are two key questions to ask.  In this past interview, the first question was a real key in selecting the best person.  Here they are:

1. Tell me about a mistake you made while on the job...a real doozy of a mistake.
2. If you could write your ideal job title and description, what would it be.

The first question gets to a person's character and how they accept responsibility.  Be wary of someone who blames other for their mistake.  The second question lets you know if the candidate is the right fit for the position in question.

Unfortunately, there is a pool of super-qualified candidates out there.  If your team needs a makeover, now is the time.  Make that change with a group interview and hire great, new talent.