Interview tests and exercises: Group activities

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1. Psychometric tests
2. Presentations
3. Assessment centres
4. Group activities
5. Exercises

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Employers use group activities, generally during assessment centres, to assess your interpersonal communication skills. Quite simply they need to know that you can mix well with people. You may have to complete a practical task, complete a case study or take part in a discussion. Some employers will use a social event or activity to observe your behaviour.

Be aware that you are being assessed from the moment they meet you. Be well versed on the organisation, its sector and current affairs. Have interesting questions to ask of the organisation’s representatives. Avoid the temptation to just chat to the other candidates.

Throughout the exercise they will observe your ability to work in a team and the type of leadership style you demonstrate. They will also be noting how you negotiate with your peers and how you get your point across.

Remember: good team working is about working together cooperatively to achieve a common goal. You can demonstrate leadership within the team by:

• showing that you are listening carefully and hearing what is being said;
• taking the initiative;
• facilitating others to speak;
• reflecting on what has been discussed and summarising periodically if necessary;
• staying positive and motivated throughout.

Practical tasks

You may be asked as a group to use equipment or materials to make something - a tower, using only straws and string, for example. The assessors are usually more interested in how the group interacts than in the outcome of the task. They will also be assessing your planning and problem-solving skills and the creativity of your individual ideas. Get involved, however trivial you consider the task to be.

Discussions and role plays

You may be asked to take part in a leaderless discussion or in a role-playing exercise which simulates a professional scenario. You will usually be given a briefing pack and be asked to play a particular part. You may have to act out the role either with the other candidates or with the assessors either one-on-one or in a group. The assessors are looking for your individual contribution as well as your communication and influencing skills.

Use the following tips to help you prepare:

• read through and/or listen carefully to all the information you are given and make notes if allowed;
• decide objectives and priorities. Agree the division of tasks, make a plan and follow it;
• be assertive and persuasive, but also diplomatic - be conscious of the volume and tone of what you say;
• remember that the quality of what you have to say is more important than the quantity - don’t confuse input with impact. Choose your timing carefully;
• make sure the group keeps to time. Help to steer things back on track if the discussion goes off track;
• keep calm, and use your sense of humour where appropriate;
• find a balance between advancing your own ideas and helping the group to complete the task;
• actively listen to what everyone has to say, using nods, smiles and eye contact. Try to get the best contribution from everyone and do not assume that quiet members have nothing to contribute. Be inclusive;
• if a group member is dominating the conversation then try to support the participation of others;
• use positive language and behaviour;
• be conscious of your own style and its impact on the group. If you are naturally very chatty maybe you need to focus more on listening. If you are very quiet remember that you need to speak up to make an impact on the assessors.