Group Interview Tips

10/28/2026

By Julie Cunningham, MA, CCC-SLP, licensed speech-language pathologist

Short answer: the most useful group interview tips are about how you speak, not how much. You don't win by talking the most. Give short, clear answers with one specific example, listen and build on what others say, speak loudly enough to reach the whole room, and let your best points land instead of repeating them.

In a group interview, several candidates are interviewed at the same time. Employers use them for many jobs, and the AAMC lists group interviews as one of the formats medical schools may use. Many counseling and marriage and family therapy programs interview in groups too. I coach clients for the speaking side of it: being heard, being clear, and staying steady with other people watching.

What Interviewers Watch For

How clearly you make your point
How you listen and respond to others
Whether you can disagree respectfully
How you handle a shared task or case discussion, if there is one

Before the Interview

Find out the format. Some group interviews are a series of questions to each person, and some include a group task or a case to discuss. For program-specific formats, see the guides on counseling, PA school, and medical school interviews from Vince Kotchian.
Prepare five or six short stories. A handful of strong examples from your experience will cover most questions.
Practice a one-minute answer. Group interviews leave less time per person, so practice making your point quickly.
Practice with a few friends. Take turns answering the same question, so you get used to adding something new after others have spoken.

How to Speak in a Group Interview

Lead with your point. Your first sentence should say what you think. Then give one example.
Project your voice. Speak to the person farthest from you, and keep your volume to the end of each sentence. See how to project your voice.
Keep it short. A clear answer in under a minute leaves room for follow-up questions.
Build on others. Use a person's name and connect your answer to theirs: "Building on what Maria said..."
Show you're listening. Look at whoever is speaking, nod, and keep a friendly expression. You're being seen even when you aren't talking.
Disagree calmly. "I see it a little differently" works better than "That's wrong."
Pause instead of filling silence. A short pause sounds more thoughtful than "um." See how to stop saying um.

During a Group Task or Case Discussion

Some groups get a task or problem to solve in a set amount of time.

Help the group get organized: restate the task, or suggest a plan for the time.
Invite a quieter person in: "We haven't heard from you yet. What do you think?"
Summarize where the group has landed before time runs out.

If the Group Interview Is on Zoom

Wait for a clear pause before you unmute, so you don't talk over anyone.
Look at the camera when you speak, and keep your answers even shorter than in person.
See my Zoom interview tips for setup.

If You're Nervous

Speaking in front of other candidates adds pressure. Take one slow breath before you answer, and slow down your first sentence. See how to calm your nerves before an interview and how to talk slower.

Practice With Feedback

For admissions group interviews, see admissions interview coaching. For job interviews, see professional voice training. In both, we practice on Zoom and I give you specific feedback on your voice, pace, and clarity, and on your non-verbal communication: eye contact around the group, facial expressions, and how you listen while others speak. Sessions are $250 an hour, and the Planning Session is free.

See interview coaching

Common Questions

What is a group interview?

A group interview is one where several candidates are interviewed at the same time, usually by one or more interviewers. Employers use them, and so do some medical and PA programs and many counseling programs.

How do I stand out in a group interview?

Give short, clear answers with one specific example, listen closely and build on what others say, and speak loudly enough to reach the whole room. Thoughtful contributions stand out more than talking the most.

Should I answer first in a group interview?

You don't need to. Answering first can work if you have a clear point, but a well-organized answer that adds something new is stronger than a fast one.