• Subscribe
  • E-Newsletter
  • Media Kit
  • Contact Us
  • Login
Community Rec
  • Topics
    • Community
    • Facility Development
    • Programming
    • Operations
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • E-Newsletter
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us
  • On-Demand
  • Continuing Education
    • Community Rec Leadership Summit
    • Webinars
    • Pickleball Innovators
  • Supplier Insights
    • Brand Voice
    • Supplier News
    • Supplier Voice
    • Case Studies
  • Podcast
  • Buyer’s Guide
No Result
View All Result
  • Topics
    • Community
    • Facility Development
    • Programming
    • Operations
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • E-Newsletter
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us
  • On-Demand
  • Continuing Education
    • Community Rec Leadership Summit
    • Webinars
    • Pickleball Innovators
  • Supplier Insights
    • Brand Voice
    • Supplier News
    • Supplier Voice
    • Case Studies
  • Podcast
  • Buyer’s Guide
No Result
View All Result
Community Rec
No Result
View All Result
Home In Print

Incorporating Group Interviews in Your Hiring Process

Kristen Barnes by Kristen Barnes
March 4, 2022
in In Print, Operations & Facilities, Pro Talk
0
group interviews
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Kirsten Barnes, the director of HydroApps – part of Counsilman-Hunsaker’s circle of expertise – shares how to address staff shortages with group interviews.

As you start hiring for summer 2022 or beefing up your existing team, a great way to talk to a maximum number of applicants in a minimum amount of time is to utilize group interviews.

Many of you are looking at your tasks and responsibilities daily and figuring out how to get time back in your day. Add in that staffing shortages don’t look like they’ll be resolved any time soon, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of making job offers without having a real conversation with your applicants.

Why Group Interviews?

Group interviews can save you time. Seasonal hiring events can fill hundreds of positions in a couple of hours. Group interviews are a great way to see how candidates interact with others. They allow potential employees to show their skills through skill tests and activities and help you place candidates in the best position for their strengths. 

Preparation is Key

Just like any program you offer, preparation is paramount to success. Treat your group interviews the same way for the best results. 

  • Decide when and where you’ll host your interviews.
  • Consider the format of your interview.
  • How many candidates can you accommodate?
  • Prepare your interview questions.
  • Train your interview team.
  • Communicate with your candidates.

Conducting Interviews

Treat your group interviews like a program you would offer or a meeting you would conduct in a straightforward approach to make the event manageable. 

  • Lean into your culture.
  • Have interviewees check-in and have handouts ready.
  • Have the interviewers introduce themselves.
  • Break into groups and conduct interviews.
  • Close your interview out just like you would close an event.

Follow Up and Close it Out

Please don’t be “that person” who never responds to someone after an interview. Whether you choose to move them forward or not, send a quick note to everyone who attended. For those you are moving on, send clear instructions on the next step, whether that is scheduling a one-on-one interview or simply making a final offer. Don’t forget to debrief your team or write your notes on what worked well, what could have gone better and what you will change up next time. 

Learn More: 10 Tips for Hiring Staff

Group interviews are great for seasonal positions, but be careful. They can sometimes give too much weight to an individual’s personality. For example, extroverts may shine while introverts may get lost in the mix. And even though we want to view teamwork skills, remember teams don’t become successful in a single day — it takes time and a mix of people in different roles.

Overall, those warnings pale in comparison to the benefits of a well-planned, well-executed group interview. They are efficient, exciting and fun for everyone, and they can set the stage for the culture you are growing in your organization.

Stay up to date on industry trends, best practices, news and more.

Tags: community recreationCounsilman-Hunsakergroup interviewshiring processHydroAppsMarch/April 2022operationsstaff shortages
Previous Post

Gleaning the Benefits of Creative Learning

Next Post

Building Successful Community Partnerships

Kristen Barnes

Kristen Barnes

Kirsten Barnes is the director of HydroApps, part of Counsilman-Hunsaker’s circle of expertise. Her background is a unique blend of career experience in local government, health and wellness, and B2B customer industries.

Related Posts

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
Leadership

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago Names Adam Alonso as Next President and CEO

June 10, 2025
Missoula Family YMCA
Cover Story

Missoula Family YMCA: Immeasurable Spirit

May 21, 2025
YMCA of Greater Boston
Ask The Expert

Q&A on the Healthy Habits Program at the YMCA of Greater Boston

May 21, 2025
Upace
Brand Voice

Empowering Connections: The Story of Upace and its Mission-Driven Platform

May 21, 2025
Risk Management
Features

Building a Culture of Safety with Risk Management

May 21, 2025
AI
Features

How AI is Revolutionizing Community Rec Centers

May 21, 2025
Next Post
community partnerships

Building Successful Community Partnerships

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Exposure Guide + Media Kit

May/June 2025 Issue

Get Updates in your inbox

Stay up to date on industry trends, best practices, news and more.

Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn

Contact us at info@communityrecmag.com

  • Home
  • Subscribe
  • E-Newsletter
  • Media Kit
  • Contact Us

The Current Issue

The Latest from CO

  • Jason Kunzman on Navigating Societal Divides
  • YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago Names Adam Alonso as Next President and CEO
  • Daxko Announces Integration With GoFundMe Pro to Empower Smarter Fundraising for Nonprofits
  • Food Education Program Promotes Healthy Lifestyles at Central Lincoln County YMCA

© 2025 Community Rec Magazine. Published by Peake Media.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • Topics
    • Community
    • Facility Development
    • Programming
    • Operations
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • E-Newsletter
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us
  • On-Demand
  • Continuing Education
    • Community Rec Leadership Summit
    • Webinars
    • Pickleball Innovators
  • Supplier Insights
    • Brand Voice
    • Supplier News
    • Supplier Voice
    • Case Studies
  • Podcast
  • Buyer’s Guide

© 2025 Community Rec Magazine. Published by Peake Media.