Type of Realistic Job Preview: Group Realistic Job Preview
Adapted with permission from materials developed by Susan O’Nell, Sherri Larson, Amy Hewitt, and John Sauer from the University of Minnesota Institute on Community Integration.
This type of RJP involves inviting groups of potential applicants to gather together to obtain information about a job. The meetings can be divided into three or four 5-10 minute segments. During each segment, information about the job is provided and questions are answered. After each segment, a break allows those who decide that the job is not a good match to leave. At the end of 30-45 minutes, those who remain are given an application to fill out and interviews are scheduled.
Development Considerations
As with other RJP methods, the group RJP requires planning time to identify which aspects of the job to highlight and to decide how to present the information.
Implementation Considerations
Potential applicants should be informed of any job prerequisites prior to the meeting so they do not attend if they can’t pass the necessary background checks, credential, licensure, or drivers’ license requirements. This type of RJP could also incorporate videotapes.
Cost Effectiveness
Development and implementation costs will vary depending on the materials/methods used. When staff, consumers, and/or family members (for those positions that are client-centered) are involved, group meetings are less expensive than individual meetings.
Pros
Group RJPs:
- Provide information to more than one person at a time, reducing the time commitment per applicant;
- Clearly show potential applicants that it is alright to opt out of pursuing the job; and
- Can help keep the information given to prospective employees consistent.
Cons
Group RJPs:
- Require prospective employees to be available at scheduled times; and
- Can mean that the cost/benefit ratio is low due to the need for planning, scheduling, and materials.
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