Anyone been successful in group exercise interview?

quietheart

I've got one this week for a job I *really* want.
All I have heard are horror stories!

browneyedbazzi

I did one of these several years ago and actually ended up being offered a better position than the one I had applied for.

That said, the company turned out to be a terrible organisation with a nasty bully for a boss so I walked out six weeks after starting!

agrinnall

No, I've only done one, and didn't get the job. But I'm pretty sure that someone who took part in one of the group exercies will have been successful. It's just another way of narrowing down the list of candidates.

quietheart

Thank you both.
What did the exercises involve?!
I have three 45 min exercises....,:o

[Deleted User]

It probably depends on the job or at least the sector?

What information have you been given?

browneyedbazzi

The one I did was a fairly simple task - we were put into groups and had various paper/pens/scissors etc and had to use the supplies provided to 'manufacture' copies from a sample item we were shown. The task itself was largely irrelevant - they seemed to be looking to see how we communicated, who had an eye for detail/took a leadership role etc.

quietheart

Domino9 wrote: »

It probably depends on the job or at least the sector?

What information have you been given?

It's a national charity. Would be dealing with the public.
I wasn't given any information other than when to attend. I have established the 3 x 45 mins sessions by emailing HR.

Errata

Group exercises are simply a means of testing out candidates' communication, leadership, team playing skills and sometimes their knowledge of the ethos and philosophy of a sector.

quietheart

Errata wrote: »

Group exercises are simply a means of testing out candidates' communication, leadership, team playing skills and sometimes their knowledge of the ethos and philosophy of a sector.

Thanks. I know nerves won't help me but I can only be myself I guess

Bored31

I have!

We had a knowledge test to do (marked out of 20)
We then had to do a presentation, as a group. I thought mine went so badly because one of my colleagues basically dominated the entire presentation, and left me with nothing to say! Then we had to answer a few situation questions, e.g. what would you do if X happened?

My tip is, when talking making sure you have your say, always give the other side of an idea. Be polite, don't be pushy. If someone makes a good point - say it! 'Oh, that's an interesting point, but have you thought about X?.

Good luck!

Gentoo365

Just don't be bossy, arrogant or annoying. Imagine that you need to get on with all the others in your group. If someone is being quiet ask them their opinion (but not in a way that puts them in an awkward position.)

Don't start any arguments, and if you see any developing try to find consensus. Don't be all passive aggressive, be positive. Don't put anyone down, compromise if required.

Remember that the point of these exercises is not to 'win' but to show that you are not an annoying person to work with.

If anyone does start acting annoying then don't let it affect you or wind you up. Just try to work as a group as effectively as possible.

Yes! and as above, if someone says something you disagree with then agree with some part of their point first, then say your point diplomatically.

e.g. "I agree, we do need to think about x, that is a good point. Somehow though we also need to consider y, do you have any ideas about that?".