Assessment Centre

What is an assessment centre?

Many employers now run extended selection centres as part of their recruitment process. Traditionally, they have formed the second stage in the process, but selection exercises are becoming more common at the first interview stage. Employers invest a great deal of time and effort in running assessment centres because they believe that they result in recruiting the best candidate. Assessment Centres are one of the most reliable indicators of future job performance. Typically you will join a small group of other candidates and undertake a series of assessments designed to show the selectors whether or not you possess most of the personal and technical skills necessary to succeed in the job.

How would you prepare for assessment centres?

Before the day

• Revisit your application form to enable you to see how you answered those initial questions.
• Think about what skills and attributes the client is looking for (go back to the job description or other material that the employer sent you or look at their brochure or website). The client will be selecting on these criteria so look for opportunities during the assessment centre to display these qualities.
• If you are asked to prepare any material (e.g. for a presentation) before the event, make sure that you give yourself plenty of time to do so and practise so you are confident about what you are saying.
• If psychometric tests are involved, try to acquire some practice papers or questions so you have some familiarity with them.
• Brush up on your company knowledge.
• Ensure that your interview skills are up to speed by practising answering typical questions by yourself or with a friend. Think about how you have made or saved your current company money- this is pertinent for all positions and so worth the preparation.
• Map out your route or transportation options ahead of time.
• Dress appropriately - for almost all interviews the dress code is professional.
• Read up on assessment centres and what might be expected of you.

On the day

• Arrive in good time. Always leave yourself time for the unexpected.
• Be polite to everyone - the assessment has started from the minute you meet the first employer representative.
• Join in, even at meal times. If you find small talk difficult ask other candidates about their previous job and/or interview experience.
• Take time to think when presented with new material for group and individual exercises.
• Assessors could be watching you constantly - so don't over-indulge, become flippant or over-confident.
• Don't be tempted to launch straight in but make sure you understand the facts placed before you and the requirements of the task.
• You do not have to perform outstandingly in all activities. Selectors know that candidates will be better in some areas than in others so do not dwell on what you see as possible failures and concentrate on doing well in the next task.
• Try to stay calm and focussed throughout the assessment centre. Treat others with respect and sensitivity but don't be afraid to speak up for yourself.

After the assessment centre make notes on your experience for future reference.
Ask for feedback whether or not you were successful - you need to know how you could improve your performance in the future.