Group exercise

Group exercise (assessment)

You’ll be put in a group and set a task to complete in a set time period. Assessors will be observing individuals and group dynamics. Group sizes will vary - anything between three and 10. It’s easy to get lost in the crowd during a group exercise - read the guidance below to avoid this happening to you.

Example of a typical group exercise

Candidates are given time to work together to respond to a case study, usually based on documents describing a real-life business situation. The candidates must work together to analyse the situation, agree recommendations and, sometimes, present back to assessors.

Time keeping

Try to take charge of time keeping. For example, if you have an hour to present your ideas, allocate time appropriately, get group buy-in and then ensure everyone sticks to those timings. Reiterate when the time is running out to complete each task. When the clock is running down, calmly and firmly inform your team.

Teamwork

You need to demonstrate your ability to work effectively within a team setting. Collaborate with your team members and praise their good ideas. And, if you get the opportunity to come up with a solution to a problem, this is a great moment to shine.

Communication

How you communicate with the other candidates is as important as how you communicate with the assessors. Treat them all with kindness, decency and respect.

Better than the rest

Group exercises are a uniquely weird dynamic. There could be other groups in the room so, obviously, it’s important that your group excels. Your team members are on your side. On the flipside, these same people are also your competition. You have to show that you are better than the other candidates.

Leader

It’s important that you try to lead the group. That means stepping forward with your ideas, listening to others and division of labour (i.e. dividing up tasks between team members). Include the quiet members of the group too - they might have great ideas that you can tap into.

Stand out appropriately

You need to be enthusiastic and engaged, without looking like a narcissist.

Further guidance

For more advice and example group exercises, read this excellent Target Job’s article.

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