Job interviews can be stressful at the best of times, without them turning into some kind of Hunger Games scenario…
OK, so they aren’t quite that extreme. But with an increasing number of employers using group interviews to find the best talent, it never hurts to get to grips with the tasks and activities you’re likely to face. Whether you’re applying for a role as a Customer Service Advisor or a Graduate Sales Executive, knowing what to expect can be the difference between standing out and fading into the background.
We’ve already provided some group interview tips, but here’s our comprehensive guide to the most popular group interview tasks, activities, and questions you need to prepare for:
“In group interviews, it’s important to strike a balance between confidence and collaboration. Contribute thoughtfully without dominating and actively listen to your peers. Employers are watching how you engage, so show respect for different perspectives while letting your own strengths shine through."
Carolyn Thompson, Senior Business Manager | Reed
Common group interview tasks and activities
Employers use a variety of exercises to test your collaborative skills. Here are the most common ones you might encounter:
The icebreaker task
This is the obligatory introduction, designed to get everyone talking and ease the tension. However, it’s also the first test of your communication skills.
You might be asked to introduce yourself and share a ‘fun fact’, or you might be paired off to find out three facts about the person sitting next to you and then present them to the group.
How to handle it:
To really stand out, prepare beforehand. Think of a fun (but interview-friendly) fact about yourself that differentiates you from the crowd. If you have to introduce a partner, listen effectively. Remembering small details about them shows the interviewer that you have strong interpersonal skills.
105 icebreaker questions for work
The case study
In this group interview task, you’ll be given a brief based on a real-world scenario you might face as an employee. The brief will outline a problem which you, along with your fellow applicants, will be required to solve.
For example, if you are interviewing for an Operations Manager role, you might be given data showing a decline in productivity and asked to propose a strategy to fix it. These activities test your ability to work as a team, as well as your leadership and problem-solving skills.
How to handle it:
- Treat your competitors as colleagues. You are being assessed on teamwork, not just the final answer.
- Take the lead, but don’t dominate. Facilitate the discussion rather than dictating it.
- Include others. If you notice someone is quiet, ask for their opinion. 'What do you think, Sarah?' is a powerful phrase in a group interview.
- Keep an eye on the time. Reminding the group of the deadline shows you are focused on the objective.
The practical task
Group interviews commonly include a practical task requiring the group to build something or solve a physical puzzle. The most famous example? The Lego tower.
You might be asked to build the highest free-standing structure using the fewest possible bricks, or perhaps build a bridge out of straws and tape. It sounds easy, but there’s usually a catch - like a strict time limit or restricted materials.
How to handle it:
- Plan before you build. Don’t just start grabbing bricks. Suggest a quick strategy session first.
- Remain professional. It might be a fun task, but you are there to impress.
- Don’t panic if it collapses. Your ability to deal with problems and overcome setbacks is exactly what they are testing. Stay calm and focus on the fix.
The role play exercise
One of the most dreaded group interview activities has to be the role play.
This activity places you in a situation you’re likely to face in the job - such as dealing with an angry customer or managing a difficult team member - and tests your ability to perform under pressure. You might be acting opposite another applicant or the interviewer themselves.
How to handle it:
- Read the brief carefully. Understand exactly what your objective is.
- Listen to the 'customer'. If you’re dealing with a complaint, empathy is often more important than the immediate solution.
- Be yourself. It’s acting, but you don’t need an Oscar. Just handle the situation as you would in a real work environment.
The leaderless task
This is a variation of the case study but with a twist. Each member of the group is given a briefing document, but everyone has slightly different information or represents a different department (e.g., Marketing, Sales, Finance).
The group then must come to a unified decision, but no leader is appointed. This forces the group to negotiate and compromise.
How to handle it:
Since there is no designated leader, stepping up to organise the group can score you points. However, be diplomatic. You need to advocate for your 'department' while recognising when to compromise for the greater good of the 'company'.
Group interview questions
While tasks and activities assess your behaviour, you will also face specific questions. These often pop up during the activities or in a debrief session afterward.
‘If you could invite two famous people to your dinner party, who would you choose?’
Also known as the ‘hot air balloon question’ or the ‘desert island’ scenario. It seems like a light-hearted game, but there is strategy involved.
Often, the interviewer will ask this individually first, then ask the group to agree on a final list of guests from everyone’s suggestions. This tests your negotiation skills and ability to fight your case with convincing reasons.
How to answer:
Think wisely about your choice. You may be tempted to invite a pop star, but do they bring value to the hypothetical scenario? If you’re stuck on a desert island, Bear Grylls is a much stronger choice than a musician. When it comes to the group decision, be prepared to compromise to demonstrate your teamwork skills.
‘Sell me this X’
A classic for sales roles. You might be asked to sell a pen, a desk, or something totally impractical like a chocolate teapot.
Usually, this is done as a group pitch. You’ll need to work together to identify the key features and benefits (USPs) of the product and present them to the ‘buyer’.
How to answer:
Focus on benefits, not features. Don’t just say the pen has blue ink; say it allows you to sign contracts that will change your life. Also, be prepared for the interviewer to throw curveballs or objections your way.
‘How would you handle a situation where two team members are in disagreement?’
Conflict happens - even in the best teams. Interviewers want to know if you can help resolve issues constructively without taking sides or escalating the problem.
How to answer:
Explain that you’d listen to each side, encourage open communication, and help the team focus on the shared goal. Mention that keeping things respectful is key, and sometimes a little humor can lighten tense moments.
‘If you’re given a group task with a tight deadline, what steps would you take to ensure it’s completed on time?’
Deadlines are a reality in most roles, especially when teamwork’s involved. This question tests your time management skills, planning, and ability to rally a team.
How to answer:
Share that you’d quickly clarify the task requirements, delegate roles based on strengths, and set mini-deadlines to track progress. Don’t forget to mention checking in with others regularly and being flexible if things don’t go perfectly to keep the momentum going.
Self-assessment questions
You may also be asked to reflect on your own performance with questions like:
- What made your team work successfully?
- What stopped your team from achieving the objective?
- If you could redo the activity, what would you change?
How to answer:
Be honest. If the tower fell over, admit why. It shows you have self-awareness and can learn from mistakes. Additionally, acknowledge the contributions of others in your answer to show you’re a team player.
How to stand out (for the right reasons)
You know the tasks, and you know the questions. But how do you actually get the job? Here are a few final tips for success.
Do your research
Just because it’s a group interview doesn’t mean you can skip the homework. Research the company inside out before you attend. Understanding their values will help you align your behavior during the tasks. If they value innovation, be the one suggesting creative solutions. If they value customer service, focus on empathy during role plays.
Be inclusive
Employers are often more impressed by the person who invites a quiet applicant to speak than the person who dominates the conversation.
If you notice someone hasn't said much, bring them in: 'We haven't heard from [Name] yet, do you have any thoughts on this?' It shows confident leadership and emotional intelligence.
Listen actively
Don’t just wait for your turn to speak. Listen to what others are saying. If you can reference someone else’s point later in the discussion ('Building on what Sam said earlier...'), it proves you are engaged and respectful of your peers.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear to a group interview?
Unless told otherwise, wear what you would wear to a standard interview. Business professional or smart casual is usually the safe bet. You want to look professional, but make sure you’re comfortable enough to move around if there’s a practical task involved.
Is it okay to be quiet?
You don't need to be the loudest person in the room, but you do need to contribute. If you are naturally shy, try to take on a specific role in tasks, like the timekeeper or the note-taker. This gives you a valid reason to speak up ('We have five minutes left') without needing to fight for the spotlight constantly.
How long do group interviews last?
They can vary, but generally, they take longer than a standard one-to-one interview. Expect to be there for anywhere between 90 minutes to three hours, depending on how many activities are planned.
Can I disagree with other applicants?
Yes, absolutely. Healthy debate is good. However, always be polite and constructive. 'I see your point, but have you considered...' is much better than 'That won't work.'
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2 responses to “Group interview tasks, activities, and questions”
I have attended a number of 'group interviews', in the last couple of years, and i don't like them one little bit. It's alot of patronizing bullying that many big companies have introduced in recent years, because they can. I am not altogether convinced that this new fangled interview technique actually delivers the goods either. Many companies I have dealt with that have adopted this method have some real idiots for staff. If somebody wants to interview me then fine, but being herded around like cattle and being handed a bag of Lego bricks is quite demeaning. They certainly leave it out for the more prestigious jobs. It's the applicant's for the menial, low paid jobs, that have the group interview inflicted on them.
Nigel, I share your sentiments completely. I have had more than my fair share of these ridiculous and annoying "group interviews" - including, yes, the ludicrous LEGO-building task - over my many years of job applying. In fact, I am now writing a book all about my hellish job hunting experiences.