Assessment centres

Some employers use structured activities for recruiting staff. They are designed to test whether you meet the selection criteria of the job. Often these activities are called assessment centres.

Types of activities

Assessment centres can include interviews, short presentations, psychometric tests, individual and group activities. They usually run from half to two full days.

Group activities are used to see your behaviour in teamwork situations. Groups are usually of 6-10 applicants with a trained facilitator.

Activities are often timed and can include:

  • discussion on a set topic, this may involve reaching a consensus
  • developing a solution to a problem, may involve role play
  • physical tasks (eg make a tower out of paper)
  • presentations.

To add complexity to the problem you are often given incomplete or conflicting information. Alternatively, you may be given a large amount of information, too much to be completely analysed in the time given. Employers will usually let you know if you can ask them for additional information or clarity.

Assessment of activities

The activities are not necessarily designed to have a right or wrong answer. Instead, the activities let the assessors see how you deal with challenges, pressure and other people.

Employers will:

  • evaluate your behaviour against the selection criteria
  • decide if you have met the standard
  • decide whether you will continue to the next stage of the recruitment process.

Performing well

Be prepared

Re-read your application. Do some background research on the:

  • role
  • organisation
  • industry.
Things to do
Make a good impression
  • Arrive on time and turn off your mobile phone
  • Dress for an interview
  • Build rapport by introducing yourself to people when you arrive
  • Make eye contact and use positive body language
 Working on the task
  • Pay attention to instructions and ask questions if you need to
  • Identify key objectives
  • Be organised, begin each task with a plan, sticking to the time limit
  • Stay focused on the task without fixating on solving the problem
  • Present your ideas clearly and focus on quality not quantity
  • Complete the task set
Communication
  • Communicate your ideas instead of making assumptions
  • Actively listen to others
  • Communicate your ideas without arguing
 Teamwork
  • Work as a team member in group activities
  • Show diplomacy by not putting down other people's ideas
  • Be assertive yet not too rigid to change your mind
  • Encourage quieter members to contribute

What the assessors are looking for

Intellectual

  • Strategic thinking and ability to see the big picture.
  • Analysis and judgement.
  • Imagination and creativity.
  • Planning and ability to organise.

Interpersonal

  • Assertiveness, negotiation and teamwork.
  • Courtesy to others and cross-cultural awareness.
  • Listening, oral and verbal communication.
  • Leadership, influencing and motivating.
  • Building and maintaining relationships.

Adaptability

  • Versatility and resilience.
  • Dealing with ambiguity.

Business sense

  • Achievement motivation.
  • Time management.
  • Decision making and problem solving.
  • Analysis and judgement.

Dynamism

  • Persuasiveness.
  • Self motivation and initiative.
  • Innovation.

Resources

Assessment centres videos.

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