Assessment Centres

So your application has impressed the company enough for you to be invited to an assessment centre. Well done! But what now?

Assessment centres are a relatively new addition to the recruitment process and are still misunderstood. Let us answer your questions!

What is an assessment centre?
Assessment centres are usually held in hotels or company training centres and can last from a few hours to several days. Inviting applicants to attend one gives organisations the opportunity to compare candidates' abilities across a range of standardised situations.

Assessment centres are based on a clearly defined set of competencies that candidates need to possess in order to be successful in that organisation. A variety of exercises are used and several trained assessors are involved throughout the day to increase impartiality and objectivity.

Most assessment centres involve a programme of activities designed to evaluate how you work on your own and as part of a group, in different roles.

What will I have to do?
You'll be expected to participate in a variety of selection tasks. These include:


  • psychometric tests

  • personality questionnaires

  • in-tray exercises

  • presentations

  • group exercises

  • competency-based interviews


You may be asked to participate in any or all of these, depending on which area of a business you are interested in joining.

How do I prepare?
You should be prepared for an action-packed event, which can be both exhilarating and exhausting!

Assessment days are designed with you in mind and you should be provided with an overview of what the day will involve. If you've read the company website, you'll know exactly what the employer is looking for in a graduate, so you'll be able to think in advance of examples that demonstrate your ability.

Test publishers produce practice leaflets for their psychometric tests and it's worth trying to get hold of a copy in advance to get a feel for the kind of questions you may be asked.

Work out your travel plans well in advance. You should leave enough time to arrive at the venue early, in case you are unexpectedly delayed.

How do I stand out from the crowd?
First impressions always count so make sure you look the part and dress according to the environment you will be working in.

Do your homework and find out what's currently happening in the organisation. Visiting the company website is a great way to check out current information.

Remember that the assessors want you to do well - they have spent considerable time screening applicants and have identified you as a potential recruit. They will be looking for confirmation that you have the skill-set and mind-set to be successful in their company. So be enthusiastic and energised!

What happens afterwards?
You should be kept informed of the progress of your application every step of the way; assessors should inform you within ten working days, often sooner, of the final outcome of your application.

The selection process should be a learning experience for all, regardless of the outcome of your application so feedback should be offered to every candidate to help individuals understand their strengths and weaknesses. Even if you are unsuccessful, you should take a lot from the process - use it as a way of learning more about the skills you might have to improve.

Key tips

  • Selection centres are not designed to catch you out. Try to relax and enjoy the activities

  • Listen carefully to the instructions you are given. If you are unsure what to do, ask for clarification

  • Be enthusiastic! Make sure you have a good night's sleep the night before so your energy levels are high


Common assessment centre activities:

Activity: Presentations

  • What recruiters are looking for: Understanding of subject matter, confident public-speaking abilities

  • How to shine: Practice giving presentations beforehand. Make sure you are familiar with Microsoft Powerpoint

    • Activity: Group activities

    • What recruiters are looking for: Good interpersonal skills, the ability to work well as part of a team

    • How to shine: Listen to your fellow team members. Be assertive, but not bossy


    Activity: Psychometric tests

    • What recruiters are looking for: Evidence of problem-solving skills, good judgement and reasoning

    • How to shine: There are no 'wrong' answers, so answer as honestly as you can. Read each question carefully before you answer


    Activity: In-tray exercises

    • What recruiters are looking for: Ability to prioritise workloads and cope with time pressures

    • How to shine: Stay calm and focused. Time spent making a decision before you act is time well spent