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What are Assessment Centres?
What are Assessment Centres?
Assessment centres are a key part of the recruitment process. Employers use these centres to evaluate candidates for their suitability. They consist of exercises and tests that assess a range of skills and competencies.
This format is considered fairer and more effective than interviews alone. Some assessment centres are virtual, but the exercises and criteria remain similar.
Typical assessment centre exercises include information sessions, group activities, aptitude tests, in-tray or e-tray exercises, presentations, written tasks, and interviews. The length of assessment centres can vary, typically lasting two to three hours.
Recruiters and assessors are looking for core graduate skills, such as communication and teamwork. It's important to remember that you're being assessed against the employer's criteria, not competing against other candidates. Being yourself, staying positive, and engaging with others are key to success at assessment centres. Practical preparation and relaxation can boost confidence.
What are Online Pre-Selection Tests/Psychometric Tests?
Usually used by big companies to recruit a large number of graduates in the first stage of selection. It can happen either immediately or after a delay once you submit your application, or it can also be part of the application process.
Different employers have different types of tests, which include:
Aptitude or skills tests: These tests evaluate skills like numerical or verbal reasoning, critical thinking, and logical or abstract reasoning.
Personality questionnaires: These questionnaires assess if you possess the necessary personal qualities required for the job and organisation.
Situational Judgement Tests (SJTs): These tests assess how you would react to job-specific situations that you may encounter while working for the employer you are applying to.
Video game formats: Although not very common at the moment, you might see more of these in the future!
What are Assessment Centres?
Traditional assessment centre
Normally hosted by the company at their premises, the duration of which can range from a couple of hours to an all day event. It could feel like quite an intensive day. However, lunch and breaks are typically provided.
Many employers opt for a half-day event instead, as it can be quite a resource intensive event.
Immersive assessment centre
Immersed in a typical working day of a graduate recruit.
Normally provided with a room and a laptop, and trusted to prioritise your own tasks and breaks throughout the day. Typically, you will be provided with a calendar, task list and/or an email account, and it is up to you to manage your time and attend relevant 'meetings' during the day. These meetings are often with other candidates where you will be asked to take part in a group activity or presentation exercise.
The way that these are hosted by the employer can vary depending on the tasks they would like you to use, and the technologies that they have access to e.g. some employers may only have access to Zoom/Google Meet, whereas others may have sophisticated, purpose-built software.
Virtual assessment centres tend to be shorter than traditional assessment centres. You may also be asked to complete individual activities in advance (eg in-tray exercises, online tests) in order to make the most of the day itself.
Is There a Presentation Element to Your Interview?
At a job interview (no matter whether it is held over a video platform or in person) you will be given option 1 and will usually only be presenting to your interviewers.
If you have a choice of topics, choose a subject you know or understand well. Don't go for something you are less familiar with because you think it will be more impressive. It is better to present confidently on a simple topic with which you feel comfortable.
Choose a topic you know well and feel comfortable with.
Find out as much as you can about the requirements beforehand, including the subject, length, facilities, and audience.
Structure your presentation with a beginning, middle, and end, focusing on a few well-made points.
Use visual aids sparingly and keep the design professional.
Maintain confident body language and control your tone of voice.
Take your time before starting and practice your presentation out loud for timing, voice projection, and response to potential questions.
Check out more useful tips and advice here
How to Prepare for Pre-Selection Tests/Psychometric Tests?
Preparing for tests
Don't be tempted to just go straight into doing timed practice tests.
Once you're confident, sit practice timed tests via Graduates First
For verbal reasoning tests, practise by reading well-argued articles on unfamiliar topics, especially if you are not used to analysing lots of written information
For numerical reasoning, revise how to do calculations such as percentages, ratios and fractions, and (re)familiarise yourself with using a calculator. There's help with numeracy from MASH, the University’s Maths and Statistics Help.
Top tips!!
If you're given a choice of date and time, pick a time when you feel rested and mentally sharp.
Make sure you have all the resources you need and will not be disturbed.
Make sure you understand the test instructions and follow them exactly.
Check if marks are deducted for incorrect responses (negative marking). If so, do not guess any answers.
Read questions carefully, but do not spend too long on any one question.
Afterwards, you will be told if you can progress to the next selection stage. If the tests are taking place alongside an interview, your test results will be considered together with the interview and any other assessments, to decide whether to offer you the job.
Assessment Centre Tips!
Get involved, don't criticise, interrupt, or undermine - but do politely step in if someone dominates.
Pay close attention to instructions.
Make sure to assign someone to take notes and keep track of time - it's a crucial role that can often be forgotten.
Include other candidates and encourage everyone to participate in the discussion.
Delegate tasks appropriately.
Give credit to other candidates.
Stick up for your opinion, but stay polite, calm, and professional if you disagree with someone.
Remember, you're being evaluated all day - from the way you greet the receptionist, to networking during lunch, and how you handle the assigned tasks.
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