Assessment centres

Many large organisations use assessment centres as a second or final stage of selection. If you've got this far, congratulate yourself then get down to some serious preparations. Assessment centres take at least half a day and use a variety of activities to get a better idea of how you would actually do the job. Many are residential for a night or more. Keep in mind that with most employers you are being measured against set criteria or competencies, not against your fellow interviewees. Several assessors will look at your performance, and you will almost certainly have to work with others. The following table outlines the types of activities you are likely to encounter, how to prepare and tips on how to perform.

What are employers looking for?

It will depend to some extent on the nature of the job on offer, although many graduate recruiters look for similar transferable skills. Expect an emphasis on factors which are difficult to assess using other methods. These often include:

  • Impact – someone who others listen to
  • Persuasiveness – getting others to see your point of view
  • Collaboration – picking up on and working with what others have to offer
  • Resilience – knowing how and when to stand up for your ideas and stick to your position
  • Communication skills – the ability to interact confidently with a group
  • Thinking on the spot – taking on board and using new information as it rises

How can I prepare?

Preparation is the key to performing well. First, review any information gathered for the application form or a first interview. Find out as much as you can about the employer and the area in which they operate – make sure you visit their website. Check news and industry – specific websites: what are the big issues? How do they affect this employer? What's happened since you applied? If you have any contacts in the organisation, get their help in building an up-to-date picture; if not, ask someone you know who is likely to be familiar with the industry (e.g. lecturers, careers advisers, relatives). Imagine what you would ask the recruiter. What are your weak spots? What can you do to deal with them? You can also discuss the schedule with a Careers Adviser before you go.

On the day checklist

Once there, don't let nerves get the better of you. One reason for the increasing popularity of assessment centres is that they are fairer than traditional interviews. You get several chances to prove yourself, so if you feel one exercise went badly, you can make up for it elsewhere. Remember, there will be good reasons why you got this far.

Do

  • Take part. Get stuck into group tasks in particular.
  • Listen to any instructions carefully.
  • Co-operate with others in group exercises and seek to build consensus.
  • Try to enjoy the social side of the experience, chatting to candidates and assessors.
  • Be polite and professional with everyone you meet
  • Back up any opinions with evidence
  • Use the information you are given

Don't

  • Be silent – you need to give the assessors some evidence of your abilities
  • Assume you know what assessors are looking for
  • Pick fights or try to undermine others
  • Get drunk or hide in the corner with your coffee
  • Be rude to anyone – they may be asked their opinion later
  • Throw uninformed comment around
  • Be shy because you aren't an expert (yet)

Been to an assessment centre?  Tell us about it!

If you've just been to an assessment centre, survived the experience and bought the t-shirt, we'd love to know how it went!  Download and complete the form below, then hand it in to us.

Selection feedback form

 

Further Information

Our virtual library contains a wide range of up to date and recommended materials to help you further in your career-related activities.  This section allows you to link to the resources we have available on assessment centres.

Further guidelines on preparing for assessment centres