The group interview—often featuring a diverse search committee of faculty, staff, and board members—is more than a hurdle; it is a performance of your leadership style in real-time. These sessions are designed to see how you handle complexity and whether you can unify a room of varying priorities. At Hyatt-Fennell, we believe that navigating these multi-person dynamics with grace is the hallmark of a candidate who is ready to move from management to true institutional leadership.
One overlooked key to success is inclusive engagement. When a question is posed by a single committee member, it is natural to focus solely on them. However, leadership is found in your ability to address the individual while connecting with the collective. Begin your response by making eye contact with the questioner, but as you expand on your point, sweep your gaze across the room to include other members. This technique signals that you recognize the interconnectedness of the institution and that you are already considering how your decisions will impact every department represented at the table.
Through involving everyone in your interview, you show you’re not just a job candidate, you’re a visionary leader.
