Advice and Tips on Assessment Centres

Advice and Tips on Assessment Centres

Also known as selection centres.

ACs are designed to measure you in a practical manner to see how well you match with the skills required to perform the job. This is an excellent way for you to demonstrate your abilities in a practical way and often allows you to make more of a realistic impact than at interview alone. They may last for anything from ½ a day to 2 full days with an overnight stay. They could be located in a hotel, conference centre or at the organisation's premises.

You may take part in some of the following exercises:

Group Exercise Discussion, job related scenario, leadership or leaderless task. All are trying to ascertain how to work in a team setting. The assessors will be looking for your ability to take part, make a positive contribution, your ability to listen, negotiate and successfully communicate orally.
Tips:

Assert your views in a positive, not aggressive manner.

Contribute quality - not quantity.

Think before you speak and ensure what you say is relevant, well considered and valuable to the group. Listen to others responses and refer to them by name.

Ensure you complete the task within the time.

Presentation You may know the topic in advance or you may be given it on the day. Either way ensure you answer the question or brief and target your presentation to your audience.
Tips:

Tell you audience what you intend to say, Say It, and then wrap up with a clear summary and conclusion.

Work within the time given.

Only use visual aids you are familiar with and keep them simple.

Remember eye contact, to smile and to speak to your audience rather than your visual aids.

Have a structure but don't read from a script.

Case Study A realistic, relevant business problem. You will be required to analyse, interpret data, consider alternatives and either produce a written report or present your findings and recommendations to the rest of the group.
Tips:

Read all instructions first.

Within the time given you may not have time to read everything so do a quick initial scan to highlight relevant sections.

Think logically, calmly and remember to present reasoned arguments. It is not a test of memory.

In-Tray / E-Tray Exercises
You will be randomly given documents or emails to deal with. You will be prioritising information within a given timescale.
Tips:

Watch your time carefully.

Be careful with overlapping dates and conflicting priorities.

They are looking for a common sense approach with the ability to manage workloads efficiently and creatively if appropriate. You are trying to show that the unexpected doesn't faze you and that you are an effective decision maker.

Formal Interview
See the information in the Careers Service regarding interviews. A second interview may be a panel interview where there could be two or more interviewers from different areas of the organisation.
Tips:

Ensure you answer the person asking the question and ensure you have a clear vision of your key skills, evidence, why you want to role and what attracts you to that organisation.

You may be interviewed by different people at a second interview. Do not presume they have received any details about your first or telephone interview. Treat a second interview like the first.

Psychometric Tests - Aptitude and Personality Tests
Sign up for practice sessions in the Careers Service and use the resources in the JobShop/Placement Base to practice and prepare.
Tips:

Practice if possible.

They are not designed to catch you out so be honest.

Informal Time
Includes lunches, drinks receptions, presentations, coffee breaks, site tours etc. Remember that you are being observed during the whole time you are there.
Tips:

Think of some interesting things to say about yourself, your course and place of work or study.

Never complain about anything that has taken place at the AC.

Think of some intelligent questions to ask about the organisation and of your fellow attendees.

Do not spend the time checking your phone for messages, emails or network updates.

Preparation

Know your application form or CV.

Review what key skills the employer is seeking.

Be informed of key issues within the industry as a whole or those relevant to that specific organisation.

Attend the assessment centre session run by the Careers Service.

Watch the video "The Assessment Centre" - available in the Careers Service.

Ensure you know what the format will be - ask the company if you are unsure.

Overall
You will be assessed on your overall performance so if you feel one element has been weaker than another do not let your attitude change - stay positive and keep going.
Final Tips:

Avoid the free bar.

Show your enthusiasm.

Don't hog the conversation or get irritated at people who do so.

Assume you are being assessed at all times.

If you are unsure of anything or any instructions issued ensure you clarify.

Join in discussions - never sit in the corner on your own.

Ask questions and be interested in what others have to say.

Dress smartly yet comfortably.

Information regarding adjustments for those with registered disabilities will be provided. Ensure you inform the organisation in advance of anything you may need.

An AC will be tiring and at times pressurised and stressful. Most candidates however report that they enjoyed the overall experience and learnt a huge amount from it.

Updated: Summer 2011