Congratulations on being selected for an assessment centre. Companies use these to give you the opportunity to demonstrate your key skills in a realistic working environment.

What to Expect

  • While the process can vary from employer to employer, it is important to remember that they all have the same purpose: to assess how well you demonstrate workplace skills.
  • These skills can be tested in the assessment centre through different activities such as group work, case studies, presentations, in-tray exercises, report writing, aptitude tests, and interviews.
  • During the assessment centre day you will usually have the opportunity to network with staff. They may take you out for lunch/dinner - prepare an elevator pitch.

Preparation

  • The assessor is looking for candidates to demonstrate skills from the set criteria; different roles require different skills. Know your job description!
  • Check whether you have any tasks to complete before the day.
  • Revise your employer: read up on their website, LinkedIn profile, Twitter, Facebook page, company blogs and also re-read your application form and CV.
  • Brush up on case studies so you’re familiar with the type of problem solving activity you may be asked to complete.
  • Use your Student Development Team. We run practice sessions for assessment centres.

How to Perform Well

  • Demonstrate the core set of skills that are required to be successful in the position.
  • Work well with the other candidates: almost every job will require working with people so it is vital for the assessor to evaluate how well you can do this.
  • Remain focused for the whole day: you will find it tiring but they will be interested in your motivation throughout.

Top Tips

  • Dress appropriately: smart but also comfortable.
  • Prioritise your time: one of the most common mistakes candidates make is running out of time, make sure you plan and prioritise during tasks.
  • Relax and be yourself: remember this is a two way process, you are also evaluating if you think you would fit well into the company.
  • Always remember: you are not being assessed against the other candidates, you are being assessed against the employer’s criteria; all of the group could be successful.
  • Be aware of how you interact with everyone you meet on the day from the moment you walk into the building and greet reception, to the end of the day when you leave.

Further Information