Assessment centres
Employers use combinations of activities, interviews and testing to evaluate each candidate's suitability to their selection criteria. When this is administered to a group of candidates on one day it is called an assessment centre.
There is no set format and it may vary in length from half a day to two full days and typically include a combination of a:
- Case study
- Group task
- Written task
- Oral presentation
- Social event
Find out what the recruiter is expecting and assessing for each of these activities.
On the same day, or at a different time there may also be:
Although activities can be exhausting, most students find sessions stimulating and challenging. So prepare well, relax and do your best!
How to prepare
The assessment centre is a preview of how you will behave in a professional work environment. You want to be relaxed but professional.
- Familiarise yourself with the different types of tasks and tests. Practice with friends, or access the information available at your Careers and Employment Centre.
- Know yourself: list your strengths and limitations in relation to the job. Research the selection criteria thoroughly so you can predict some of the activities and the organisational values that you will be evaluated against.
- Make sure that all practical arrangements are clear so you don’t arrive flustered or late.
- Dress as you would for an interview with the organisation.
- Practice in front of a friend or your Careers Counsellor to prepare for presentations.
- Arrive with a positive attitude! Introduce yourself to other candidates you meet.
- You need to show that you can work cooperatively with others, so stay relaxed, listen to other people, be friendly and participate.
- Try not to be intimidated by candidates who appear to be high performers. Concentrate on demonstrating your own strengths. Remember that you are being assessed against a set of criteria rather than against other members in the group.
- Pay attention to time limits and avoid getting stuck on one question.
- Listen carefully to instructions and ask if you are unsure about the task.
- Be alert and aware of your non-verbal signals such as expressions and gestures.
- Don't make assumptions about the way you should respond. Many organisations value diverse work styles. Be yourself and respond honestly.
Afterwards
- Reflect on your experience.
- Congratulate yourself on getting this far in the recruitment process.
- Discuss any areas for improvement with your Careers Counsellor.
