Used by many employers to help them find out how you operate and perform in a group
setting with your peers. Employers find this an effective way of finding out what
type of ‘team-player’ you are.
Group exercises come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Group discussions
A group of candidates, usually four to eight, discuss one or more topics related
to current affairs or an issue relevant to the employer. You will be told how long
you have for the discussion. Remember: the main objective of the exercise is to
observe how you relate to others in the group, not what decision the group
comes to.
Examples of topics used by employers
- There should be a £2m limit on the lottery jackpot.
- This country has too few roads, not too many. What is needed is a proper motorway
network.
- Everyone should be made to have a year out between school and university.
Assessors are likely to be looking for candidates who can also demonstrate good analytical
and logical reasoning skills so try and demonstrate these by showing clarity
of thought and expression.
Discussions with a leader
Occasionally, the assessors assign one candidate as group leader. This is
an influential position allowing the candidate to focus and clarify the discussion,
encourage contributions, and guide the group to a conclusion. If someone other than
you is chosen to be leader, the selectors are usually impressed by supportive, constructive
and positive behaviour - not by behaviour which intentionally challenges
the leader.
Group tasks
Sometimes the assessors will ask the group to carry out an activity with a clear
goal, rather than discuss a topic. For example, you might have to construct a tower
out of plastic bricks or build a bridge using only paper and rubber bands.
Sometimes the exercise has rules to ensure that different members have specialised
roles. As with discussions, the assessors are looking to see how well you communicate
and co-operate within the group.
Any tips for group discussions?
- Be the person you are rather than the person you think they are looking for
- Make regular contributions without appearing competitive or domineering.
- Do not interrupt others.
- Back up your views with reasons.
- Be supportive, sensitive and friendly, encouraging contributions from
quieter members.
- Try to focus on the key issues and not get bogged down with the minutiae.
How will your performance be assessed?
Remember that you are unlikely to be in direct competition with other candidates
in your group as you are assessed to a standard and not in comparison with each
other. It may be that all of you are successful, one or two are successful, or none
of you are successful.
The assessors will probably assess each candidate against a check list of key skills
that they value in the organisation.
