Top 10 Tips to Help Your Child Shine in a Group Interview

Many schools now include group interviews or immersive experiences as part of their admissions process. These activities are designed to evaluate how children work with others, follow instructions, and contribute in a team setting.

These interviews could involve anything—from designing a rollercoaster to solving puzzles, performing a short drama piece, or conducting a science experiment. While you can’t prepare your child for the specific tasks, you can equip them with the right mindset and skills to excel.

Here are 10 practical tips to help your child stand out in a group interview:

Practice Good Manners
Good manners show respect for others and help your child leave a strong impression. Encourage your child to say “please” and “thank you,” greet the interviewer with a smile, and avoid interrupting their peers or the teacher. Small actions like these demonstrate that your child is considerate and able to work well in a classroom environment. Encourage your child to make eye contact and maintain an open, friendly posture to signal attentiveness and confidence.
Be a Good Listener
Listening is a crucial skill that can set your child apart. Group interviews aren’t just about who speaks the loudest—they’re about how well children can engage with others. Teach your child to listen carefully to instructions and respond thoughtfully to what their peers say. This shows respect, focus, and the ability to work in a team. Play simple listening games at home, like repeating back a set of instructions or summarising what someone else said, to sharpen their skills.
Engage with Enthusiasm
A group interview is your child’s chance to show their excitement for learning and collaborating. Whether it’s brainstorming ideas for a project or performing in front of the group, encourage your child to participate eagerly and embrace the task with a positive attitude. Naturally, schools look for keen and eager students who have a thirst for knowledge.
Be Inclusive
Teamwork is at the heart of most group interviews. Encourage your child to involve everyone in the activity, especially quieter members who may need a bit of encouragement. Simple phrases like, “What do you think?” or “That’s a great idea!” can show that your child values collaboration. Teach your child not to dominate conversations or dismiss other ideas. Group interviews are about working together, not competing for the spotlight.
Stay Positive Under Pressure
Group interviews often come with unexpected challenges—perhaps a design doesn’t work, or team members have conflicting ideas. A positive attitude can help your child stand out. Teach them to stay calm, focus on solutions, and avoid getting frustrated or blaming others. Practice at home with time-bound challenges, like building something with blocks or solving a puzzle, to see how your child handles pressure. Praise their effort, not just the outcome.
Speak Clearly and Confidently
Group interviews require children to share their ideas, but they need to do so in a way that’s clear and respectful. Teach your child to speak at a moderate pace, use a friendly tone, and avoid interrupting others. Remind your child that their ideas are valuable, even if they’re different from what others suggest. Role-playing at home is a great way to build their confidence.
Take Initiative (But Don’t Take Over)
Children who can step up and lead a group activity—without dominating—often leave a strong impression. Teach your child to offer suggestions, volunteer for roles, and help organise tasks when appropriate. Help your child understand the importance of sharing responsibilities and respecting others’ contributions. Leadership isn’t about being in charge; it’s about guiding the group toward success.
Show Creativity and Flexibility
Many group interviews involve creative tasks, such as designing a product or solving a puzzle. Encourage your child to think outside the box, but also be flexible enough to adapt their ideas if the group decides on a different approach. Play brainstorming games at home to encourage divergent thinking. Open-ended tasks like “Design a new animal” or “Invent a fun gadget” can spark their imagination.
Work on Time Management
Most group interview activities are time-bound. Help your child learn how to stay focused, prioritize tasks, and ensure the group finishes on time. This demonstrates responsibility and the ability to work efficiently. Set a timer for activities like building something or solving a puzzle. This can help your child develop a sense of timing and learn how to balance quality with speed.
Reflect and Learn
After the group interview, encourage your child to reflect on their experience. What went well? What could they improve next time? Self-awareness is a valuable skill that helps children grow and perform better in future challenges. Praise your child for their effort and remind them that every experience is an opportunity to learn.

Keep It All in Perspective

It’s important to remember that children are still young and mentally immature, so perfecting all of the above tips will take time and practice. Don’t worry if your child isn’t doing everything perfectly—it’s completely normal! Schools understand this and aren’t looking for perfection. They simply want to see keen, well-mannered students who are eager to learn and collaborate. Encouraging your child to develop these skills and adopt a positive attitude will go a long way.

If you’d like to give your child the confidence and skills to succeed in group interviews and individual 1-2-1 interviews, consider enrolling in our Interview Course. With practical exercises, teamwork strategies, and expert guidance, we help children build essential skills to stand out in both group and individual settings.