Group Exercise A group exercise is an extended selection procedure, usually held either on the employer's premises or in a hotel.

It takes place after the first round of test and before the final selection is made. It gives employers a greater opportunity to see how candidates perform various tasks over an extended period, rather tha n in a single relatively short interview. A number of different assessors get to see you over a longer period of time and have the chance to see what you can do , rather than what you say you can do, in a variety of situations. As with any selection process, thorough preparation is key to maximising the out come of your assessment. A group exercise may be a practical group assignment or a group discussion. In all situations, assessors are looking for evidence of te amwork, problem-solving ability, planning and organising skill, and creative thi nking. Remember that good team working is not always about getting your ideas ta ken forward, but also listening to and building upon the ideas of others too. Here are a few tips: In light of the information given, decide objectives and priorities. Make a plan and follow it. Be assertive and persuasive, but also diplomatic. Remember that the quality of what you have to say is more important than the qua ntity. Make sure the group keeps to time, and help to steer things back on track if the group appears to have gone off on a tangent. Keep calm, and use your sense of humour where appropriate. Find a balance between advancing your own ideas and helping the group to complet e the task. Actively listen to what everyone has to say, using nods, smiles and eye contact. Try to get the best contribution from everyone and do not assume that quiet memb ers have nothing to contribute. Be inclusive. Do not be distracted if one member of the group dominates the conversation, not allowing anyone else to have a say. The worst way to deal with this is to try to compete by shouting over them. A good way of dealing with the situation is to l isten to their views and then suggest that other members may have input too. Eve n if this doesn't stop them, the assessors will have picked up on your efforts, which will reflect well on you. Examples of group exercises are: Practical tasks You may be asked as a group to use some materials to make something - a tower, u sing only straws and string or only papers and tape, for example. The assessors are usually more interested in how the group interacts than in the outcome of th e task. They will also be assessing your planning and problem-solving skills and the creativity in your individual ideas. As with any group activity, get involv ed however silly you consider the task to be. Discussions and role plays You may be asked to take part in a leaderless group discussion or in an exercise where you are given a briefing pack and asked to play a particular part. The as sessors are looking for your individual contribution to the team, as well as you r communication and influencing skills. Presentation You are typically asked to prepare a presentation, often based on a proposed bus iness plan or your approach to the first 6 months in the role you are applying f or. While the quality of the content is important, of more importance is the del ivery of the presentation and your ability to think on your feet when fielding q uestions.