‘Been invited to an Assessment Centre?
Group discussions are a popular and valuable part of selection in countless Companies. The usual format is that a small number of people are given a task which involves them in making decisions in a matter of minutes. The selection team will observe the discussion and not take part.
The topic or task given is usually related to the job and is often quite artificial. Indeed, the whole situation is very false, but if you are going to stand a chance of being selected, you have to take part.
Group discussions like this are not designed to find out what you know about survival techniques or the relative importance of paintings, but they are designed to show how you interact with others. The observers are noting how much you participate, how well you listen and what part you play in the group. I must emphasise here that each and every group is different, so the observers do not expect the same reactions from each one.
So how can you do well? Here are a few tips:
- Listen carefully to, and/or read the task briefing to make sure that you understand what is required
- Note the time and how long you have to complete the task
- Show interest by sitting forward rather than leaning back
- If you like to lead, to chair the discussion, then do so without taking over
- Listen to others and show that you are listening by keeping eye contact, nodding, smiling, agreeing/challenging their points persuasively
- Be aware of what the other members of the group are saying and doing
- Participate as much as possible without excluding others
- Build on what others have said rather than just disagreeing with them
- Be polite, courteous and encouraging to others
- Keep the discussion on track
- Put your point of view clearly, consider counter arguments and be prepared to change your mind
- If the instructions ask you/the group to make a decision, then ensure that one is made before the allotted time is up.