Why is a group interview often utilized in the hiring process?

A group interview is often utilized in the hiring process primarily to save time when handling many applicants. This format allows employers to evaluate multiple candidates simultaneously, streamlining the selection process. Instead of scheduling individual interviews for each applicant, which can be time-consuming, a group interview efficiently allows the hiring team to observe how each candidate interacts with others and responds to questions in a collaborative setting.

In addition to time efficiency, group interviews can reveal insights about candidates' teamwork and communication skills, providing a richer context for the selection process than solo interviews might. This dynamic environment encourages interaction that can showcase candidates' abilities to engage with peers, a critical aspect in many roles.

While the other options present valid considerations in the hiring process, they do not pinpoint the primary advantage of group interviews. For instance, thorough assessment may occur, but it doesn’t address the efficiency gained by interviewing several candidates at once. Similarly, while fostering competitiveness or assessing individual strengths are potential outcomes, they are secondary to the immediate goal of optimizing time in the recruitment process.