An important part of an assessment centre is the group task. The candidates will be split into smaller groups and given a specific task such as a case study or group discussion. Here, the interviewers will be looking to see how well you can perform as part of a team and how strong your communication and problem-solving skills are. This article takes you through the types of assessment centre group tasks and how you can perform well.
What could you be asked to do?
Group discussion
As the name suggests, this activity involves the group having a discussion about an assigned topic. This may be something about the company, recent news stories, an issue relating to the industry the organisation operates in or perhaps a topic relevant to students. Everyone will be asked to contribute their views, comment on other people’s opinions (politely of course) and ask each other questions. The group may then be asked to provide a summary of their discussion to everyone else.
Build something
A building task is a great way to test the teamwork skills of everyone in the group. You may be asked to build a tower out of marshmallows and sticks, build a bridge, put up a tent, assemble a product or perhaps create a poster. Make sure you take an active part and don’t spend too much time debating what to build and how.
Case study
This is a common group activity used at assessment centres. Each group will be given a case study brief and a set period of time in which to complete the task. The case study is usually a business simulation based on the company you are applying for. For example, you may be asked to design a new product, create a poster for a new marketing campaign or come up with a response to a real situation the company may be facing.
It is likely you’ll be asked to present your ideas to the rest of the groups afterwards. Be prepared for questions from the interviewers and the other teams.
Icebreaker
Whilst icebreaker activities are often used at the start of the assessment centre, sometimes the groups will be given an icebreaker task to do in groups. For example, you may be asked to introduce yourself to the group and give a fun fact about yourself. Another popular activity is to get into pairs and ask each other questions. After a few minutes, you will need to introduce each other to the group.
Roleplay
Another common activity is role-playing as this lets the interviewers see how candidates respond to a particular situation. Each group will be given a scenario with everyone assigned a specific role and asked to act out their response. Example scenarios include:
- A mock meeting to discuss an upcoming product launch
- The organisation is facing a particular challenge and the team must come up with a response
- Dealing with an angry client
- Negotiating a deal
How to perform well during assessment centre group tasks
- Remember, the interviewers will constantly observe everyone even if they appear to be taking part in the task themselves.
- Listen carefully to all instructions and read the brief thoroughly to ensure you fully understand the task.
- Take an active part in all discussions and activities and contribute your ideas confidently (but don’t dominate the conversation)
- Encourage shy or quiet candidates who aren’t participating to share their views and include them in the discussion
- Make an effort to engage with the other candidates especially during breaks or during lunch. Be friendly and enthusiastic but remain professional (remember you will still be under observation). Some good conversation topics include university, families, hobbies or interests.
- Treat everyone with courtesy and respect and remain professional especially if you reach an area of disagreement.
- Pay attention to the time if the task has a specific time limit. Don’t waste time on less important aspects of the task.
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