Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Employers use personality testing to determine if You cant fake a personality test.
you are a good fit for the job and the job is a good Your personality traits and behavioral style are
fit for you. Your personality traits and behavioral style measured through a self-report personality question-
have a significant role to play in determining fit. naire. Most personality questionnaires have a built-in
validity scale (detects attempts to misrepresent your-
Personality tests help to evaluate how you are
self) and asks you through covert questions (reading
likely to handle relevant work-related activities, such
the question doesnt reveal what it measures) about
as working in teams, complying with policy and
aspects of your own personality which are relevant
procedures, solving problems in a practical manner,
to the workplace. For example, your response to a
leading others, coping with stress and pressure, and
question about how you behave in a party can indi-
more.
cate your ability to work in teams. The information
Employers are seeking candidates with personality collected on you is collated into what becomes
traits which they have determined match the job known as your personality profile.
requirements.
Personality tests are different from aptitude tests.
Candidates for HR professional roles are likely to be
required to demonstrate effective Aptitude tests measure your ability to acquire a skill
But, even if youve become a pro at case study analysis, as many business students are, the
thought of doing so within a tight time-frame in the already highly pressured situation of a
job interview can be daunting if not downright terrifying.
4
The group activity is used to see your communication and problem-solving skills in action,
and to ensure that you can work effectively in a team. The best way to impress the employ-
ers is to show yourself as a good team player flexible, full of ideas, but willing to listen to
and help expand the ideas of others.
GROUP ACTIVITIES
The group case study exercise
The group activity day is structured, although it
In this type of exercise, the group is given a set
might not always seem that way. Its important to
period of time to work together to respond to a case
remember the assessors (recruiters, senior manag-
study brief, and the group presents its findings as part
ers, recent grad hires) are trying to get an idea of
of the exercise. Sometimes each candidate is given a
how you would fit into the workplace. Be friendly
different briefing document or role to play, and the
and professionaljust the way you would be in the
group has to reach a conclusion despite the conflict-
office if you got the job.
ing views of its members.
The group activity is likely to consist of some The discussion group
combination of the following, in which you are A discussion group involves the group members
observed. sitting in a circle and given a topic(s) to discuss. The
Social time. nature of the topics can vary, but usually they involve
Group exercisesuch as discussing an issue, an issue of current importance to students or some-
constructing something, or analyzing a complex thing that's been in the news recently. At the end of
business case studyand presenting the team the discussion, each candidate may be invited to
findings; or, a combination of these activities. comment briefly in turn on one of the group's conclu-
sions, so it's vital to listen as well as to speak up.
TIPS ON SKILLS TO DEMONSTRATE IN THE GROUP
EXERCISE
The leaderless task
You need to contribute, but not to dominate. Be
This often involves constructing something. As a
assertive, but not aggressive. If you are aware that
group you must come up with a solution within the
you are usually a shy person who does not speak
time limit. No one in the group is designated as the
up, do your best to participate. If you know that
leader, and so each participant finds their role on the
you can sometimes be overbearing in groups,
team.
hold that tendency in check.
A good leader delegates. The task cannot be done
Speak clearly and confidently. Listen and don't by you alone. You must divide up the work among the
interrupt. Be aware of what others in the group are others.
contributing. You could try to draw out quieter A good leader uses the strengths of others. You
members and seek their views. This shows you must identify the strengths of the individuals in your
are an effective leader. group and use them in appropriate ways.
5
experienced. Show an ability to offer solutions, not
just to point out the problems. Never point a finger
at a team member.
Ice-breakers help you relax and help the group to Focus on skills such as planning, flexibility, commu-
gel. Sometimes they are practical and involve the nication and discipline.
completion of a task within a tight deadline, or they
might be more intellectual. Everyone is expected to How would the other team members describe
play a part and share information. you? Refer to the positive reactions you experi-
enced from other team members. Support your
DEBRIEFING QUESTIONS perception of how you came across with examples
Expect some debriefing-type questions. These of observations or remarks made by the team.
group interview questions will most likely be asked
in a group situation after the team exercises have
been completed.
6
The challenge in a group interview is to find the right balance between getting your opinions
across and dominating the conversation. You also dont want to be perceived as being
passive or shy. Be confident and dont let yourself be bullied by others into staying
quiet. At the same time, encourage your fellow interviewees to speak up and let their ideas be
heard. Let your knowledge and confidence speak for itself.
engage everyone on the panel when one interview- the room; or said differently, why are you the better
7
When you answer a question, 60% of the time you
should look at the individual who asked the ques-
tion.