How to Collaborate in a Group Assessment Exercise

In a group exercise during hiring, help the other candidates understand the task, compare proposals and deliver a decision within the agreed time. You can contribute by offering an idea, checking a constraint or summarizing someone else's input so the group can decide. The exercise below lets you practice these actions in 12 minutes.

Find out what the group needs to deliver

A group exercise may bring candidates together to discuss a problem and build a solution within a time limit. The University of Edinburgh describes this as one possible hiring assessment activity. University of Edinburgh Careers Service

In a group interview, several candidates may answer the same question individually. In a panel interview, one candidate answers several interviewers. If the invitation asks for an individual submission, use the work sample guide to clarify the deadline, format and criteria. When an invitation only says “group stage”, ask whether there is a shared deliverable, how much time is available and which materials the group can use.

For an online exercise, confirm the channel and how the group will record its decision. The sound, camera and connection rehearsal helps with the technical preparation. If you need written instructions or another form of support to participate, ask the named contact and confirm what was agreed.

Agree on the criteria before arguing for a solution

In the first few minutes, reread the brief and identify the goal, constraints and deliverable. A question such as “Do we need to pick two actions, or may we suggest a third as a fallback?” is worth asking when the answer changes your proposal. In some exercises, participants receive different information. Check what you may share and gather the facts the decision requires. University of Sheffield Careers & Employability

Suggest a criterion that the group can apply to every option. For example, “Can we rule out combinations over budget first, then check which ones meet both objectives?” If someone brings new information, explain what it changes. When you hear “this proposal is faster”, ask which step would be faster and what information supports the comparison.

Simulate a team decision in 12 minutes

Fictional exercise. Invite two people to practice with you. You are organizing kit pickup at a community fair. The entrance is far from the pickup desk, and reserved kits get mixed up with kits for people without reservations. Help people find the desk and keep the two kinds of kit separate. You have six credits and must choose exactly two actions. All options are available throughout the event in this first round.

Option	Action	Cost
A	Put up signs from the entrance to the pickup desk	4 credits
B	Assign a volunteer at the entrance to give directions and answer questions	3 credits
C	Separate the kits onto labeled shelves for reserved and walk-up pickup	2 credits

Deliver a presentation of up to one minute with the two actions, the total cost, the reason for your choice and one question that still needs checking. Each participant can start with a different proposal. Use a timer and, if everyone can access it, a shared note.

Minutes	What the group does
0–2	Reads the brief and confirms the goal, limit and deliverable.
2–6	Hears the proposals and compares combinations against the same criteria.
6–9	Chooses a combination or records the remaining disagreement.
9–11	Checks the total and reasoning and agrees on who will present.
11–12	Presents the decision, reason and what still needs checking.

For this rehearsal, agree on the rule before starting the timer. If there is no consensus at minute 9, each person votes for one of the feasible combinations. Present the one with the most votes as a provisional recommendation and include the concern that remains unresolved.

Use disagreement to improve the proposal

Rita. “I wanted A and B to guide people as they arrive, but 4 + 3 is 7. Davi, how does your proposal keep the kits from getting mixed up?”

Davi. “Option C separates the kits. With B, someone at the entrance can answer questions about the route. B and C cost 5, but we need to know whether there will be a line at the entrance.”

Joana. “That gives us two feasible combinations that address both problems. In this scenario, I suggest B and C because we can answer questions at the entrance. A and C cost 6 and could work if we have no volunteer. Rita, what risk do you still see?”

One possible presentation is “We chose B and C for five credits. The volunteer at the entrance gives directions and the shelves separate the kits. We still need to check whether a line will form at the entrance.” During the hiring exercise, follow the organization's decision rule and describe any remaining disagreement accurately.

Run a second round and review your contribution

Repeat the exercise with one change. The volunteer can only cover the entrance at opening time. Keep pickup running throughout the event. A and C now cover both objectives for the full period. Ask someone to explain the change using the new constraint and acknowledge the other participant's earlier proposal. Rotate who keeps time and who presents.

Afterward, each person records one action they took and its effect on the discussion. “I added up the costs and ruled out an over-budget combination” describes something observable. Pick one small adjustment for the next round, such as letting someone finish before summarizing their idea or asking whether anyone has a concern before closing the decision.

If the role calls for collaboration, check whether your resume includes a real example of working with other people. Use FoxApply to compare your resume with the job description. Record the fictional exercise as personal practice and use real experience on your resume.