Assessment Centres - how to thrive not just survive!

What is an Assessment Centre?
Assessment Centres are designed to assess your performance in a range of situations and are generally used by employers as the second or final filter in their selection process after preliminary interviews or screening has taken place. Likely to be designed around assessing you against the job competencies required. Can be long, varied and demanding!

What's involved?

• In Tray / In Box Exercises - Key points: processing information, analysing problems, managing time and working accurately
• Presentations - Key points: structure, content, body language, visual aids, practice and making an impact with your performance; sell your concept
• Group Exercises - Key points: contribute, be assertive, focus, show people skills, demonstrate business awareness and get the job done
• Interview - Key points: competencies, body language, lucid stories and help the interviewer to imagine you in the role; be that person!
• Tests - Key points: ability, personality - don't try and over think your answers

How do I stand out?

• Be yourself, but be the most positive version of yourself. Try to relax and behave naturally
• Think about the job competencies required and consider what the assessors might be looking for
• Match your own knowledge, skills, interests and experiences to the job competencies and identify your strengths and weaknesses in relation to the job
• Maintain a friendly manner and remember you are being assessed even in 'informal' situations
• Don't let one weak exercise get you down - it's a marathon not a sprint!
• Don't get involved in a head to head competition with another candidate - it can be damaging...

 
How should I behave socially?  

• Professional and open - allow people to see you at your best

• Show an interest in others - be supportive and inclusive
• But never forget they are the competition for the job you want!
• Make connections - be memorable
• Ask relevant questions - be interested in the role and the company
• Get “Stuck in” - make the most of the opportunity to impress

Paul Goring has organised, written, hosted and reviewed a host of graduate assessment centres and is a key player in the Consortio Assessment Centre Services that we offer to both industry and through our employability in education programme.