Preparing for the recruitment process: presentations, group exercises & other common tasks: PART 2

Job application processes often involve far more than just a traditional interview: you may be asked to prepare and deliver a presentation, for example; take part in a group exercise; or complete a written test of some sort. All of these activities are designed to help employers select the right candidate for the role.

Group exercises

This type of task usually involves an assessed discussion involving a small group of between four and 10 candidates. They are often used by assessment centres; by organisations that have multiple roles to fill; and on graduate schemes in which the positions require collaboration and team work.

Candidates are usually being assessed on a wide range key competencies such as communication, social skills, problem solving, leadership, persuasiveness, teamwork, decisiveness, listening skills, enthusiasm, critical thinking, and business acumen or industry / commercial awareness.

Group exercises can take various formats, but four of the most common types are:

1. Ice-breakers: Designed to help relax and bond members of the team, ice-breakers are one of the most common group exercises. A classic example is a group task that involves building a tower from straws, pins and paper – providing an opportunity for recruiters to assess the team's coordination and each candidate's team-working ability.
2. Discussion: This often involves being asked to discuss within a group a specific industry or workplace-related issue that demands a solution.
3. Role play: Each candidate is given a particular role to play, including the necessary background / scenario information and brief. You may be asked to role play a mock meeting, for example, where you each have a specific function and must attempt to fulfil individual and group objectives.
4. Interviews: This involves being interviewed alongside other candidates. This shows employers how you engage with your rivals in a competitive situation. You can use this opportunity to exhibit your knowledge of the topics being discussed, and highlight the skills and experiences that you can bring to the organisation.

In all of these group exercises, the key is to stand out for the right reasons. Always:

• follow the instructions you have been given;
• act calmly, confidently and decisively;
• actively contribute, and make your points clearly and succinctly;
• don't interrupt or undermine other candidates, but do stand up for your own opinion if you are criticised by others;
• try to put others at ease and build a rapport with them;
• include everyone and, where relevant, delegate appropriately by choosing the best person for each task.

Remember that these are group exercises. Recruiters want to notice you, but they do not want to hire a narcissist that loves the sound of their own voice. Strike a good balance between contributing to the tasks yourself, and facilitating others to contribute effectively too.