Group presentation as interview?

Very interesting exercise and one of the most important in the recruiting process. What they're looking for is mainly team working skills. Individuals are selected, not groups.

I did a few and most turned out to be a political exercise in how to look like the best team player. A few things worth noting:

• Since you're in a rush and everyone wants to show how smart they are you're fighting during the discussions for speaking time. Timing is key. When you chose to contribute, be faster than the others but make sure you avoid interrupting the person finishing off. There are all sorts of tricks you can use to show presence and articulateness.
• If someone isn't contributing much, you score points by asking for their opinion and ideas. Not so many opportunities for this in a final round though.
• Don't try to be The leader; since it's competitive people will turn against you. What you want to use good arguments to get everyone to a consensus and move on. Remember you’re being recruited at the bottom of the pyramid and to get things done in a team.
• Some people seem to think that being the 1st to speak is good and often end up saying crap like "Soooo, we have to work together to suggest a strategy". Bollocks.
• Don't be labelled as just the team clock/cop but make sure you're on top of things time-wise, keep discussions focused.
• Very important: become best mates with the other candidates in the waiting room beforehand, it'll help you get more attention/support in front of the managers.
• Finally, when you’re presenting, don’t be a bastard and say someone else’s part as well as yours. I’ve seen it done; the prick shot himself in the foot.
• There’ll be a Q&A part right at the end when the interviewers will challenge you’re position. This is less about teamwork and a great opportunity to score some extra points. When criticised, don’t pussy away, come up with some good reasons to support your views, even if this means showing big cojones (+humour?) and inventing extra assumptions on the spot.