performing group tasks at interview

When invited to an interview you may be asked to perform group tasks. These can take several forms, the most common being:

Group Discussion

The topic can be fairly diverse including business scenarios, political issues, planning for disaster recovery etc.

Once you have received the brief and the timescale it is important to remember that you are being observed so be professional. They are looking for leadership skills, motivation skills, ideas and analytical ability. They will be looking to see how good each person's listening skills are, body language and how they interact with a group. They will be interested in those who encourage input from the rest of the group. A discussion is about involving everybody and having an open mind so don't be too overbearing.

Group Activities

This involves working together as a team to achieve an aim. You will be told an objective and the timescale and left to get on with it.

Theres likely to be one person running the session together with several observers. Most group activities involve 4 - 6 people and could involve designing something e.g. a new uniform, a vehicle etc; or building something e.g. building a house from cards or constructing a model from paper or drinking straws.

Although achievement of the aim is important, it is more about how you work in a team. Remember to be yourself and not to be too overpowering, the observers want to see everyone participating and will take a dim view of someone who wants to muscle in and do everything.

They will be looking for problem solving ability, planning, leadership combined with the ability to work in a team and motivate others. With retail employers they will generally be looking to see if you are a nice person who can work happily in a team and would be good with the general public.

The observers will also be looking for you to have respect for the other members of the team whether in an activity or discussion.

One to One Conversation

You may be asked to find out all about the person next to you. This is an exercise in conversational skills and listening skills. Be enthusiastic when talking about the other person.

Role Play

This can often be something that people dread but the observers are aware that it is an unreal situation and take this into account.

You will be asked to act out a role as if you were in a business situation and will have an aim and objective.

Above all, if there is a group task make sure that you fully participate but be yourself and be professional and enthusiastic