How to prepare for an assessment centre
After submitting a lot of job applications, and acing the online tests, you’ve now been invited to an assessment centre – well done! But what can you expect from an assessment centre, and how should you prepare? This article will demystify the whole assessment centre process for you, and offer practical tips and advice so that you can feel as confident and prepared as possible.
What is an assessment centre?
An assessment centre is a type of selection process, where employers evaluate your skills through a range of different tasks and activities. They are common in the graduate scheme recruitment process, and are used as a way to assess a large number of candidates at the same time.
Assessment centres can be either in person events at the employer’s offices (or another dedicated venue), or might happen virtually online. They typically last either half a day or a full day, and you will be expected to take part in a variety of different activities; some with your fellow candidates and some individually.
What can I expect on the day?
The thought of doing an assessment centre can feel a bit daunting, but to know what to expect and to help calm your nerves, make sure to read any information you have been given about the day and how it will be structured. Typically, you can expect the following elements from an assessment centre:
Arrival and registration
When you arrive at the assessment centre, you will be welcomed and encouraged to register your attendance. Make sure to arrive or log in on time so that you are not rushed or stressed out.
Meet other candidates/ice breakers
Before you get going with the main activities, it is likely that you will be introduced to the staff running the assessment centre, and your fellow candidates during an ice breaker activity. As well as helping you get to know everyone, ice breakers are designed to help you relax and engage with the day, so make sure you go in with a positive mindset.
Activities
The main part of the day will be taken up by the assessment activities – please see the section below for an idea of what kind of activities you might encounter.
Breaks
There are likely to be scheduled breaks between activities at an assessment centre. As well as taking advantage of the refreshments (if in person), use these breaks to your advantage as the employers might still be observing you. Use the time to network with your fellow candidates and company employees, to help you gain valuable insights and show that you can build rapport with others.
Typical assessment centre activities
Depending on the employer and the length of your assessment centre, you might encounter several different types of tasks during the day. Below are several of the most popular types of assessment centre activities that you might have to complete (although this is not an exhaustive list):
Group activities
In a group activity, you will be expected to collaborate with your fellow candidates on a task, such as a case study, or solving a business problem; during this type of activity employers will be assessing your teamwork, communication and leadership skills. The trick to succeeding in a group activity is to actively listen to your fellow team members, and to speak up and be assertive, but not dominating.
In-tray/E-tray exercises
In-tray or e-tray exercises are business simulation tasks that allow the employers to assess how you would react in a ‘real-life’ scenario, and how you utilise your time management, decision making and analytical skills. These types of tasks are a bit more difficult to prepare for in advance, but a good strategy is to try and tackle urgent and important tasks first, and be ready explain your reasoning when asked.
Presentations
You could also be asked to deliver a presentation as part of an assessment centre – either you will be given a topic to prepare in advance, or presented with a brief on the day. In either scenario, try to remain calm and ensure you deliver a clear and well-structured presentation, that sticks to the brief you have been given.
Interviews
Another popular assessment centre task is an interview, which could be individual or as part of a group. As with any interview, this is a chance for the employer to see if you have the skills, experience and motivation for the job. If it’s a group interview, employers are aiming to assess how you interact with others and function in a group, so although you need to shine individually, it’s important that you try not to overshadow others.
How to prepare for an assessment centre
To start with, make sure to read any information you have received in advance of your assessment centre carefully, as this will help you know what to prepare and if there is anything you need to bring with you on the day.
It’s a good idea to research the company beforehand so that you understand the industry they operate in, any recent projects completed or challenges faced. Also look at their values – knowing what they look for in employees might help you to tailor your approach to tasks on the day. Additionally, make sure you revisit the job description and understand the skills the employers are seeking, and be ready to demonstrate these skills and attributes throughout the assessment centre.
It’s also important to prepare logistically! For in person assessment centres, make sure you know where you are going, and how you are going to get there (leaving plenty of time of course). If your assessment centre is happening virtually, test your technology beforehand and make sure you have a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed. For both types of assessment centre, check the dress code so that you know what kind of outfit will be appropriate.
As part of getting ready for an assessment centre, you could also check what support your university careers service can offer. You might be able to speak with an adviser to assist in your preparation, or sometimes they might run ‘mock’ assessment centres to help you practice.
Final tips
- Be yourself - at an assessment centre, the employers are looking for potential, not perfection! Be your authentic self and try your best
- Stay polite and professional – employers will be looking at how you interact with everyone, from your fellow candidates to the reception staff that greet you, so make sure to be friendly and polite with everyone you encounter!
- Stay positive – even if you stumble in one task, keep going, as you might shine in the next activity – this will show the employers that you are resilient
- Reflect – regardless of the outcome, think about what you learned on the day, and how you could maybe improve for next time
Conclusion
Assessment centres can feel like a challenging part of the recruitment process, but are also a great opportunity for you to showcase a wide range of your skills. With the right preparation, and a positive mindset, you’ll be well on your way to success – good luck!
Don’t forget Graduate Talent can support you with your job search. Send your CV to enquiries@graduatetalent.com and our recruitment manager will get in touch with any opportunities that suit you.
This article was written by Amy Evan-Cook