Your
Guide to
Assessment
Centres
What is an assessment centre?
An assessment centre is part of the application process. It is very popular with employers because they can assess many candidates at the same time and see how candidates react to real tasks.
Assessment centres may include a combination of the following:
- Psychometric tests
- Group exercises
- In-tray exercises
- Interviews
- Presentations
They may last from a few hours to two days, but you should be told in advance the types of activities you will be involved in.
What are the assessors looking for?
They are looking for people who match certain key skills and competencies, who also understand their business and who will fit into their culture.
How to prepare for an assessment centre
Research the organisation. Try to speak to people who work there – recent graduates if possible.
Research the role by reading the job description very carefully and thinking about the skills and competencies required. You will probably already have demonstrated some of these skills in your initial application. Try to contact someone doing the role you are applying for.
Another form of research is to do an internet search on the organisation and ‘assessment centre’. This may bring up a forum or comments from candidates who have recently attended. Remember, though that assessment centre tasks may change from one week to the next.
Psychometric and personality tests
Psychometric – or aptitude – tests are a way of assessing your skills in certain areas, typically, numerical, verbal reasoning and diagrammatic reasoning and data interpretation.
Remember - You cannot prepare for a personality test. Remember that there are no right or wrong answers. The tests are set to see how you will fit into the organisation.
Group exercises
Most assessment centres include one or more group exercises. These can be difficult to prepare for as you generally don’t know in advance what the group activity will involve.
Group exercises often fall into one of four main categories:
- Discuss a general topic, such as “The national speed limit on UK motorways should be higher”.
- Debate a work-related problem and come to a joint decision.
- Decide on a list of priorities such as who to rescue from a cave or desert island.
- Complete a task such as constructing a bridge out of straws and paper.
The assessors are usually assessing you against the key skills for the role, not against other members of your group. It is important to be yourself as the assessors want to see how you operate in real life situations.
If you are naturally quiet you may need to assert yourself to make your opinions heard. If you are naturally a dominant character, make sure you give others an opportunity to speak.
What to remember on the day:
✔ Listen carefully to the instructions.
✔ Don’t assume you need to win, you may need to co-operate with another group.
✔ Agree on objectives and priorities – keep these in mind.
✔ Try to use other people’s names and include quieter members of the group.
✔ Keep an eye on the time and remind your group of how long you have left.
✔ Be positive, even if the task seems trivial.
✔ Be prepared to put forward creative ideas.
Case studies, in-tray exercises and written exercises
These exercises are usually closely related to the role. They are designed to examine skills such as communication, organisational ability, problem-solving, data analysis, planning, time management and decision making. There is usually a time limit on these exercises. After the task you may be asked to discuss your decisions.
Inbox or in-tray exercises
Typically you are presented with an inbox on a laptop with 10 or more emails. You need to sort through and prioritise, then respond appropriately to those emails. You may also be given other information about the task so that you can respond to the emails appropriately.
Approach the task logically and read through all the available information before you start. Don’t worry if the subject is unfamiliar to you; the assessors are looking for your organisational and prioritising skills, as well as the way you analyse and interpret the information in front of you.
Case studies
Case studies can be used as individual and group exercises.
As an individual exercise, you may be given some time to review a case study and then either provide written answers to questions or verbal answers as part of an interview.
Watch the time and make sure you have read all the information provided. You may be allowed to make notes.
Written exercises
There are many types of written exercises so it is important to think carefully about the role and job description to determine what sort of writing will be required. It could be a press release, a webpage, an analysis of complex data, or a reply to a complaint from a customer.
In any written exercise check and double check your grammar and spelling. Use professional language and set out your writing in a clear and logical format.
How to prepare
It is difficult to prepare for these tests, unless you are told what sort of test it will be. Important things to remember are:
- Read the instructions carefully and understand the task
- Read all the information provided before you start the task
- Use a logical system for the task so the assessors can see how you work
- Check and double check for spelling and grammar when you have finished
Presentations and Interviews
You may be asked to prepare your presentation in advance and will probably be given a time frame of a few minutes to deliver it. You may be able to use visual aids such as PowerPoint, handouts or flip-charts. If it is not clear, you can ask.
To prepare your presentation, think about:
- Aim of your talk and key points to get across
- Time available
- Audience
- Resources
When writing your presentation, think about:
- Structure and content
- Introduction – include your name and subject of presentation
- Main theme – be clear about your main points, address the audience‘s needs, use examples
- Conclusion – summarise your main points, prepare a good ending
When practising your presentation, think about:
Delivery
- Rehearse as much as possible, and remember to time yourself
- Make eye contact with your audience
- Use prompt cards if necessary, but don’t read from a script
- Prepare a strong start and finish and remember to smile
- Think of likely questions and how to answer them
Visual aids
- Find out what is available and if there is a choice, use what you’re most comfortable with
- Make sure you know how to operate any equipment before you start
- If you use PowerPoint, bring a hard copy of your presentation in case of any technical problems
- Consider providing a handout
Interviews
There are different types of interview and you may be told in advance what to expect.
These are some of the terms used to describe different types of interview:
- Group (more than one candidate)
- Panel (more than one interviewer)
- Motivational (why that role, that organisation, that career – what motivates you)
- Competency (evidence of competencies or skills required for the role)
- Behavioural (how you would behave in certain situations)
For any interview, the key issue is PREPARATION. These are the key areas to cover:
- The role (job description)
- The organisation (look at website, but also look at news about them)
- The sector (competitors, current issues)
- The skills required (with examples for each)
- Strengths and weaknesses
FAQs
Q How can I prepare for a written test?
A Look at the job description and think about what sort of writing you will need to do. It may be reports, press releases, web pages or proofreading. You will then be able to practise that type of writing.
Q Can I use PowerPoint or props for my presentation?
A If it is not clear, you can contact the organisation and ask what facilities are available. You can also ask them if you can use your laptop, but check that there will be a projector. If you are not confident about using PCs and laptops, you can always use your own props or handouts.
Q Am I competing against all the other candidates?
A Not necessarily. They may hire all of you, or none of you. It is best to work with the other candidates so that the assessors can see how you function in a team.
Q I have been invited to an assessment centre that includes lunch. Will I be assessed over lunch?
A Assume that you will be and be on your best behaviour at all times during the day!
Q Will I get feedback if I am not successful?
A If you do not receive feedback on the day, you should ask as soon as you hear that you are not successful. After all, the assessors have taken notes of your performance.
Q What are the competencies I need to demonstrate?
A The competencies should be clear from the job description or from the employer’s website. If they are not clear, check at the Careers Centre.
Q Can I prepare for the social event?
A Not specifically, but you could watch the news and read newspapers in the week before so that you can talk about current events. Be sure to be aware of any recent new stories that may affect that organisation, or industry sector.
Top Tips for Success
1. Prepare for an assessment centre by researching the role, the organisation and the sector.
2. Prepare specific examples of the required skills and competencies, using the STAR model (Situation, Task, Action, and Result).
3. Remember that all tasks will be designed to assess you against the competencies.
4. Engage with the staff and other candidates from the minute you walk through the door.
5. Try to use other people’s names.
6. Check and double check any written tests.
7. Remember that you are not usually competing against other candidates – but working with them.
8. Act naturally and be yourself.
Guide to
Assessment
Centres
What is an assessment centre?
An assessment centre is part of the application process. It is very popular with employers because they can assess many candidates at the same time and see how candidates react to real tasks.
Assessment centres may include a combination of the following:
- Psychometric tests
- Group exercises
- In-tray exercises
- Interviews
- Presentations
They may last from a few hours to two days, but you should be told in advance the types of activities you will be involved in.
What are the assessors looking for?
They are looking for people who match certain key skills and competencies, who also understand their business and who will fit into their culture.
How to prepare for an assessment centre
Research the organisation. Try to speak to people who work there – recent graduates if possible.
Research the role by reading the job description very carefully and thinking about the skills and competencies required. You will probably already have demonstrated some of these skills in your initial application. Try to contact someone doing the role you are applying for.
Another form of research is to do an internet search on the organisation and ‘assessment centre’. This may bring up a forum or comments from candidates who have recently attended. Remember, though that assessment centre tasks may change from one week to the next.
Psychometric and personality tests
Psychometric – or aptitude – tests are a way of assessing your skills in certain areas, typically, numerical, verbal reasoning and diagrammatic reasoning and data interpretation.
Remember - You cannot prepare for a personality test. Remember that there are no right or wrong answers. The tests are set to see how you will fit into the organisation.
Group exercises
Most assessment centres include one or more group exercises. These can be difficult to prepare for as you generally don’t know in advance what the group activity will involve.
Group exercises often fall into one of four main categories:
- Discuss a general topic, such as “The national speed limit on UK motorways should be higher”.
- Debate a work-related problem and come to a joint decision.
- Decide on a list of priorities such as who to rescue from a cave or desert island.
- Complete a task such as constructing a bridge out of straws and paper.
The assessors are usually assessing you against the key skills for the role, not against other members of your group. It is important to be yourself as the assessors want to see how you operate in real life situations.
If you are naturally quiet you may need to assert yourself to make your opinions heard. If you are naturally a dominant character, make sure you give others an opportunity to speak.
What to remember on the day:
✔ Listen carefully to the instructions.
✔ Don’t assume you need to win, you may need to co-operate with another group.
✔ Agree on objectives and priorities – keep these in mind.
✔ Try to use other people’s names and include quieter members of the group.
✔ Keep an eye on the time and remind your group of how long you have left.
✔ Be positive, even if the task seems trivial.
✔ Be prepared to put forward creative ideas.
Case studies, in-tray exercises and written exercises
These exercises are usually closely related to the role. They are designed to examine skills such as communication, organisational ability, problem-solving, data analysis, planning, time management and decision making. There is usually a time limit on these exercises. After the task you may be asked to discuss your decisions.
Inbox or in-tray exercises
Typically you are presented with an inbox on a laptop with 10 or more emails. You need to sort through and prioritise, then respond appropriately to those emails. You may also be given other information about the task so that you can respond to the emails appropriately.
Approach the task logically and read through all the available information before you start. Don’t worry if the subject is unfamiliar to you; the assessors are looking for your organisational and prioritising skills, as well as the way you analyse and interpret the information in front of you.
Case studies
Case studies can be used as individual and group exercises.
As an individual exercise, you may be given some time to review a case study and then either provide written answers to questions or verbal answers as part of an interview.
Watch the time and make sure you have read all the information provided. You may be allowed to make notes.
Written exercises
There are many types of written exercises so it is important to think carefully about the role and job description to determine what sort of writing will be required. It could be a press release, a webpage, an analysis of complex data, or a reply to a complaint from a customer.
In any written exercise check and double check your grammar and spelling. Use professional language and set out your writing in a clear and logical format.
How to prepare
It is difficult to prepare for these tests, unless you are told what sort of test it will be. Important things to remember are:
- Read the instructions carefully and understand the task
- Read all the information provided before you start the task
- Use a logical system for the task so the assessors can see how you work
- Check and double check for spelling and grammar when you have finished
Presentations and Interviews
You may be asked to prepare your presentation in advance and will probably be given a time frame of a few minutes to deliver it. You may be able to use visual aids such as PowerPoint, handouts or flip-charts. If it is not clear, you can ask.
To prepare your presentation, think about:
- Aim of your talk and key points to get across
- Time available
- Audience
- Resources
When writing your presentation, think about:
- Structure and content
- Introduction – include your name and subject of presentation
- Main theme – be clear about your main points, address the audience‘s needs, use examples
- Conclusion – summarise your main points, prepare a good ending
When practising your presentation, think about:
Delivery
- Rehearse as much as possible, and remember to time yourself
- Make eye contact with your audience
- Use prompt cards if necessary, but don’t read from a script
- Prepare a strong start and finish and remember to smile
- Think of likely questions and how to answer them
Visual aids
- Find out what is available and if there is a choice, use what you’re most comfortable with
- Make sure you know how to operate any equipment before you start
- If you use PowerPoint, bring a hard copy of your presentation in case of any technical problems
- Consider providing a handout
Interviews
There are different types of interview and you may be told in advance what to expect.
These are some of the terms used to describe different types of interview:
- Group (more than one candidate)
- Panel (more than one interviewer)
- Motivational (why that role, that organisation, that career – what motivates you)
- Competency (evidence of competencies or skills required for the role)
- Behavioural (how you would behave in certain situations)
For any interview, the key issue is PREPARATION. These are the key areas to cover:
- The role (job description)
- The organisation (look at website, but also look at news about them)
- The sector (competitors, current issues)
- The skills required (with examples for each)
- Strengths and weaknesses
FAQs
Q How can I prepare for a written test?
A Look at the job description and think about what sort of writing you will need to do. It may be reports, press releases, web pages or proofreading. You will then be able to practise that type of writing.
Q Can I use PowerPoint or props for my presentation?
A If it is not clear, you can contact the organisation and ask what facilities are available. You can also ask them if you can use your laptop, but check that there will be a projector. If you are not confident about using PCs and laptops, you can always use your own props or handouts.
Q Am I competing against all the other candidates?
A Not necessarily. They may hire all of you, or none of you. It is best to work with the other candidates so that the assessors can see how you function in a team.
Q I have been invited to an assessment centre that includes lunch. Will I be assessed over lunch?
A Assume that you will be and be on your best behaviour at all times during the day!
Q Will I get feedback if I am not successful?
A If you do not receive feedback on the day, you should ask as soon as you hear that you are not successful. After all, the assessors have taken notes of your performance.
Q What are the competencies I need to demonstrate?
A The competencies should be clear from the job description or from the employer’s website. If they are not clear, check at the Careers Centre.
Q Can I prepare for the social event?
A Not specifically, but you could watch the news and read newspapers in the week before so that you can talk about current events. Be sure to be aware of any recent new stories that may affect that organisation, or industry sector.
Top Tips for Success
1. Prepare for an assessment centre by researching the role, the organisation and the sector.
2. Prepare specific examples of the required skills and competencies, using the STAR model (Situation, Task, Action, and Result).
3. Remember that all tasks will be designed to assess you against the competencies.
4. Engage with the staff and other candidates from the minute you walk through the door.
5. Try to use other people’s names.
6. Check and double check any written tests.
7. Remember that you are not usually competing against other candidates – but working with them.
8. Act naturally and be yourself.
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