In a group interview, you’re assessed alongside other candidates. The interviewers watch how you communicate, listen, solve problems and treat other people, not just what you say about yourself.
What usually happens
Every employer runs them differently, but most include some of these:
- Introductions: each person gives a short introduction, often with a fun fact.
- A group activity: a problem to solve or a task to complete as a team.
- Role-plays: serving a customer, handling a complaint or selling a product.
- Questions: asked to the whole group, or one-on-one at the end.
- A store or venue walk-through, and a chance to ask your own questions.
How to prepare
- Research the business. Visit the store or venue, look at their website and social media, and notice how staff talk to customers.
- Prepare a 30-second introduction: your name, what you’re studying or doing now, why you want to work there, and one friendly fact.
- Think of two or three examples of times you helped someone, worked in a team or stayed calm under pressure. School, sport and volunteering all count.
- Know your availability, because you’ll almost certainly be asked.
- Bring copies of your resume, a pen and any certificates (such as an RSA for bar work).
“Hi everyone, I’m Mia. I’m in Year 12 and I play netball on weekends. I’ve shopped here for years and I love how friendly the team is, so I’d really like to be part of that. A fun fact: I can make a pretty good flat white.”
Common activities and how to handle them
- Build or solve something as a team (a tower from straws, a survival scenario, a ranking task). There’s rarely a right answer. They want to see you share ideas, listen and help the group finish on time.
- “Sell us this product.” Ask the customer a question first (“What are you looking for today?”), then link a feature to what they need. Keep it friendly, not pushy.
- Handle an unhappy customer. Listen, apologise, stay calm, offer a solution or say you’ll get a manager.
- Present back to the room. Offer to present if you’re comfortable, or support the person who does.
How to stand out (without taking over)
- Speak early. Saying something in the first few minutes makes it easier to keep contributing.
- Listen and build on others’ ideas: “I like Sam’s idea. We could also…”
- Include quieter people: “Priya, what do you think?” Interviewers notice this.
- Keep an eye on time, and help the group finish the task.
- Be positive and friendly to everyone, including other candidates, and the staff before and after.
- Don’t dominate, interrupt or criticise other people’s ideas.
Questions you might be asked
- Why do you want to work here?
- Tell us about a time you gave great customer service, or received it.
- How would you handle a customer who is upset?
- What would you do if you saw a co-worker doing something wrong?
- What’s your availability?
Keep answers short and specific. For more practice, see our common interview questions and answers.
What to wear
Dress neatly in a way that suits the brand. For most retail and hospitality group interviews, clean, simple smart-casual clothes work well. Avoid anything too formal or too casual, and wear comfortable shoes in case there’s a walk-through or role-play.
After the group interview
Thank the interviewers on your way out. If you have an email address for the recruiter or manager, send a short thank-you message the same day or the next morning. It’s a simple way to stand out from a big group. If you’re invited to a trial shift next, read our guide on what to expect.
Key takeaways
- Employers are watching how you work with others, not just what you say.
- Prepare a 30-second introduction and two or three short examples.
- Speak early, listen, build on others' ideas and include quieter people.
- Know your availability and bring copies of your resume.
- Send a short thank-you message afterwards.
Follow up after the interview
Create a short, professional thank-you email or text after your group interview. Free, no sign-up.
Write a thank-you message