It is important to prepare thoroughly before attending a group exercise to maximise your chances of success. Make sure that you are up to date in current affairs by watching the news and reading newspapers as much as possible. There are also weekly magazines that offer useful summaries of the weeks events.
You should also make sure that you feel comfortable with speaking in public; think about the sound of your voice - its tone and clarity. Are you clear and concise? Can you argue a point successfully? It's also worth spending some time reflecting on any weaknesses you may have when talking in meetings or when working with others. Do you acknowledge the contributions of others in your day-to-day working? Do people listen to what you have to say? Knowing your flaws can help you to avoid them on the day so that you can concentrate on making the most of your strengths.
Group Testing Dos and Don'ts
Do:
- Be absolutely clear on what the task is before you start.
- Check the resources available to you, such as flip charts, laptops or calculators.
- Accept the constraints placed on you by the exercise instructions.
- Throw yourself in to the task and contribute fully.
- Address other applicants by their names.
- Listen carefully to others and acknowledge their contributions.
- Invite others to have a say - particularly those who seem reserved or quiet.
- Be prepared to respond positively to any unexpected changes that the assessors make to the exercise brief.
Don't:
- Be put off by the presence of the assessors; you'll soon forget they are there at all.
- Be frightened to ask questions of assessors and fellow group members.
- Monopolise the discussion.
- Interrupt others.
- Become argumentative or aggressive.
- Try to score 'points' against the other candidates; remember, you are working there as a team.
- Forget to monitor the time.
How to Tackle ...
... a Dominant Participant
Candidates who become very dominant or aggressive are unlikely to be doing themselves any favours in an exercise that looks to assess teamwork and leadership skills. Most employers will be looking for a person that can lead a team using consultation and collaboration rather than by being overbearing and authoritarian. If you find that a candidate is trying to make all the group's decisions for them, a simple "Can we just check we are all happy with this?' or "Shall we see what others think about this approach before we rush in?" should do the trick. Politely stand your ground and, if you are talked over, be prepared to repeat your point.
... a Reticent Participant
When working in a group, it is essential that all members of the team participate. If there is a candidate who is particularly shy or quiet, make sure that you allow their opinions to be heard. This can be done by asking an open question to the group: "What do we all think about this?"; if they do not take up this opportunity to voice their opinion, you could ask them a little later in the discussion "Alex (or whatever their first name is), what are your thoughts on this?"
... Changes to the Exercise Brief
Assessors are often keen to test how applicants deal with changes to an exercise brief, just as they would have to cope with changes to projects or tasks in a real job. This may involve a reduction in the time allowed, changes to the final desired outcome or the introduction of new material. The trick here is to accept these changes immediately; rather than complaining or challenging them, simply get on with dealing the new remit. Ask your fellow participants: "Based on these developments, what changes to we need to make?"
... the Allocation of Roles
Some exercises may require candidates to take on certain roles; this may be either a compulsory part of the brief for all candidates, or the assessors may ask for volunteers to carry out certain tasks, such as being the timekeeper or note-taker. If you feel comfortable taking on any of the voluntary roles, go right ahead; however, you must make sure that you do not allow them to interfere with your ability to fully contribute in the discussion or exercise.
If you are assigned a specific role to play, make sure that you undertake the task you have been given without complaining or making a fuss. Accept the role and any constraints placed upon you - remember that the other applicants will have to do exactly the same. Read any of the unique reference materials that may have been made available to you carefully and ensure that you follow the approach required by someone in that role. For example, if you have been given the task of acting as the accountant of the company, make sure that you put across the importance of financial issues in the discussion.
