Transcript: The “dos and don’ts” of group work
Thanks for listening to this audio guide on the dos and don’ts of taking part in group activities at an assessment centre.
During group work activities employers are looking to assess several things. Firstly, your aptitude for the specific role you’re applying for, but secondly a range of transferable skills which underpin your success in a role. Specifically, things like how you work with others, how you communicate your ideas in a team environment, and how you support members of your team to complete the task.
When you are introduced to your group, try to start up a conversation. Although you might be feeling nervous, or distracted by wondering what will happen next, pay attention to the conversation, as even elements of the assessment centre which don’t appear to be assessed are usually being monitored in some way.
When the activity starts, focus on the task instructions you are given, to really understand what is required. It might be tempting to try and stand out by contributing the most to an activity, and indeed an assessor can only assess what they’ve seen or heard, so you do need to contribute but consider how a team works.
Every member will have different strengths to bring to a task. So contribute, by not only giving your ideas and analysis, but also by gathering all the team members’ input too. Acknowledge and build on what others have to say, and if you need to, encourage others to join in.
When you’re discussing ideas, listen to others and be ready to compromise if necessary to move the task forwards. Likewise, show confidence in your own ideas and challenge others if you have a sound argument for doing so. However, be professional. If you want to give a counter-argument phrase it politely and proactively. For example, “Can I add to that? As I think there’s an alternative. What does everyone else think?”
Also, try to keep an eye on the practicalities too. There’s little use in having an excellent discussion if you end up losing track of time and have to write up or summarise your group’s response in the last few seconds of the task. You don’t necessarily have to be the timekeeper, but early in the task make the point about organising time to stay on track.
I’d also suggest a little self-reflection. How do you usually behave in a group project? If you know that you are a thinker, who likes to absorb information before giving their input, consider how you are going to demonstrate that you are thinking to the assessor. As I noted earlier, they can only assess what they see and hear. Or can you be mindful of your tendency to quietly think, and instead adjust your behaviour (slightly) to speak out more?
Do you usually like to take the lead? Often this can be a positive indicator, especially if it helps bring the team together, but be careful not to dominate the discussion or the direction the team takes.
My final point is to be enthusiastic about the task. Sometimes, to allow for a range of degree disciplines and background knowledge, a group task might seem irrelevant to the job you are applying for. However, you should still approach it with energy, an open mind, and a willingness to take part. Use your body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice as non-verbal communication tools to show collaboration and that you are motivated to succeed.
If you’d like to know more about assessment centres, please take a look at the Careers web pages on the University’s website or make an appointment with an adviser via My Career.