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Would you like to know how to pass a group exercise on your interview or assessment day? Do not worry as through this guide we shall help you succeed.
Starting-point resources
- Listen to our podcast here and learn how to succeed in group exercise.
- Check out our full interview preparation tools here.
What is the group exercise?
Group exercise or group discussion is another type of assessment centre activity which are often used by most employers in the UK and US.
What happens during a group exercise?
You will be grouped with other candidates and you will work together with them while you are being watched by assessors. The assessors will note down their observations and score based on your contribution/s to the exercise.
The exercise could come in different forms and you might need to:
- Discuss a general topic or area of current affairs
- Debate a work-related problem before your present it to the assessors.
- Complete a task such as solving a puzzle, role play or do a case study.
This type of exercise is one of the most revealing activities which shows how candidates act in a social setting where they have to deal with different types of personalities.
Example Group Exercise- Instructions
Sample Group Exercise: Survival
- You will be given a dangerous situation and you will be provided with a long list of items which you could use for your group’s survival. The only dilemma is you could only bring with you a small number of items.
- Your goal is to work with your group and discuss which items you should take and explain why you chose those items.
- The assessors will observe you and your groupmates. Each assessor is assigned to a specific candidate. Take note that they will not play any part in your exercise.
- There are no right or wrong answers. The main goal for the assessors is to check how well you work in a team and what process you had to go through to be able to get into a group agreement and consensus. Members of the group are scored individually.
- The exercise will last about 20 minutes. A member of the group might be asked to present a list of chosen items
- Read through the example exercise below and try it out with some friends.
Practice test
“On your way back from a holiday in South America, your shuttle flight to the airport is forced to make an emergency landing in a small clearing in the Brazilian rainforest.
You, the pilot, and your fellow passengers have only sustained minor injuries but the plane has broken into pieces and the communication equipment has been destroyed in the impact.
Before the plane crashed the pilot had reported a problem with one of the engines, so there is a good chance that the authorities will start looking for you when you fail to arrive at your destination. However, the forest is very dense and it will take days to reach the edge of it on foot.
You cannot remain where you are as there is a danger that the aeroplane fuel will catch fire.
On searching through the wreckage and the remains of your suitcases you find the following items:
- A guide to South American plant species
- 3 elasticated luggage straps
- 6 frozen airline meals
- 4 blankets from the plane
- A pack of 24 anti-malaria tablets
- A 3 metre square piece of opaque plastic sheeting
- Tourist map of Brazil
- 2 large bottles of factor 12 sunscreen
- Mobile phone with GPS, fully charged
- 1 litre bottle of the local alcoholic spirit
- 3 boxes of chocolate chip cookies
- 4 current paperback novels
- First aid box
- Compass
- Flare gun with one flare
- A Swiss Army knife
- A book of matches from the hotel
You are unable to carry more than 7 items from this list. Items containing more than one object still count as one item.”
Practice makes perfect
Get a hold of our full interview preparation tools here and practice your assessment day exercises here. https://www.assessmentday.co.uk/buy/aptitudetest_buy.htm
How to succeed in your group exercise
This now your chance to shine. Try to make a good impression while doing this exercise. How to do that?
If possible, take the lead
The one who takes the leadership role will automatically get noticed. This shows the assessors you are initiative and is not afraid of taking responsibilities. Do not however, force it but if possible try to take the lead. This is a good position to be. You could also try to offer to be the timekeeper during the exercise.
Be calm and assertive not aggressive
This could be a little difficult as everyone in the group would like to make a good impression and some could be very aggressive and dominating but it is important that you stay calm and assertive. Do not be overwhelmed or nervous during the discussion.
Tip: Ensure that you take part in the discussion and be polite, positive and smile. This is better than being aggressive.
Include others
Teamwork, your ability to listen and cooperation are just a few things that the assessors would look for. Try to include other members of the group who are very quiet is a major plus.
Introduce yourself to everyone with genuine warmth
This part is something you should do as soon as you arrive. Most candidates would feel nervous and would do this at the start of the activity. It is best for you to start as soon as you arrive. Greet others, smile warmly and introduce yourself. This will help you project as someone confident and warm all throughout the exercise.
People love it when you use their names
Try to remember the names of people you are in contact with- other candidates and even the assessors. This will show that you are well-mannered and attentive. It also shows you have keen to details. This could earn you, additional points.
Negativity is verboten
Never ever criticize anyone in this exercise. This will show that you are a moaner and not a team-player.
Practice, practice, practice
If you want to improve your performance, we highly suggest that you get yourself familiar with the exercise. This will increase your confidence and competence as well.
Podcast – listen to our podcast here and get additional tips on how to succeed this group exercise.
Positive and Negative Behaviors
These are some ideas on positive and negative behaviors related with competencies that are assessed in a group exercise.
Teamwork
+ Brings other people into the discussion
+ Encourages other people’s contributions
+ Builds on and adapts others ideas
+ Who appropriately challenges people’s views
+ Who volunteers to keep track of the time / take notes
– Who talks too much
– Who is insensitive to the feeling of others
Influence
+ Helps shape the discussion and takes charge
+ Keeps the discussion on track
+ Ensures that everyone understands the objectives & whose points are accepted
– Whose arguments are ignored / talked over
Communication
+ Listens before contributing
+ Contributes consistently throughout the discussion
+ Clear and concise throughout the discussion
– Who is very dominant
-interrupting others’ contributions
– Who does NOT talk at all
Problem Solving
+ Who uses the information provided effectively
+ Who provide creative solutions to the problems
– Who wanders from the subject or introduces unnecessary tasks
Commercial awareness
+ Understands the business and nature of the industry
+ Ensures that the suggestions and recommendations are appropriate for the business
+ Understands the brief and sticks to it
Final questions for you…
- Will you be taking a numerical reasoning test or verbal reasoning test? If yes, we suggest that you check out our aptitude tests section.
- You could find practice tests and get free advice on other types of reasoning tests like numerical, logical, verbal, abstract, inductive, Watson- Glaser, spatial, diagrammatic, mechanical comprehension and UKCAT
- Are you worried about your assessment day or performing a presentation or preparing for an interview or group/in-tray exercise?
- Would you like to get some guidance on how to deal with nerves and anxiety at your interview?
- Check our tools and resources page.