Standing out, in group interviews?

Some companies, rather than interview one candidate over lunch or dinner, will interview a group of candidates.

So you just got asked to a group interview, how should you prepare?

But beware the group interview.  While you may be tempted to distinguish yourself from those other losers, by wowing the interviewers with your superior wit, intellect, and experience -- don't do it.  One thing interviewers look for in a group interview is how well you get along with others.  So attempts to play "I can top that story..." or crush your fellow candidates like a bug, may be frowned upon.

What's a person of your superior wit, intellect, and experience to do?

Greet and shake hands with the other candidates as well as the interviewers.

Be convivial -- chat with the other candidates before the interview begins.
Listen intently when others are speaking.
Direct answers to interview questions to the interviewer, but also look around and make eye contact with everyone else.

Don't get drawn into arguments. Maintain your composure.
If there is a very quiet, shy candidate, invite that person into the discussion.
Don't join others behaving badly: if several candidates are ordering the most expensive items on the menu, over-imbibing, hitting on the wait staff or texting under the table, don't join them.  Also skip the side-whispers, eye rolls and other evil alliances.

As with any interview, follow up with a letter to your interviewers thanking them for the dinner and the opportunity, as well as re-emphasizing some of your good qualities and continued interest in working for their organization.

Provided by: Culture and Manners Institute at http://www.cultureandmanners.com/

The online application said not to call...

CALL THEM ANYWAYS!

"The online application said not to call." "I don't want to bug the person."

Asking someone how your applications process is not the worst thing you could do!

It's kind of you to think that way, because etiquette is about consideration for the other person. But unless you are applying for a position where you are expected to sit around waiting for the phone to ring, you should make the call.

How we behave in the interview (or sales) process is an indication of how we will behave in the job. So make the call! 

Show them you are a self-starter with initiative -- not someone they will have to light a fire under. Same goes for sales or account representatives -- will you be the person who checks in with the client to see how the product or service is working? Or will you disappear?

Credit to the Culture and Manners Institute at http://www.cultureandmanners.com/ for providing this information.