First things first, what are assessment centres?
While they may sound like a slightly terrifying place, an assessment centre is actually just the name for the process that determines which candidates are suitable for a specific type of job or job role. There are often multiple parts to the assessment centre and despite being a challenging process to go through, if you read up on what to expect and how to prepare, there really is nothing to be scared of!
Where is it likely to be?
Assessment centres usually take place at the offices or premises of the job you’re applying for. Occasionally they may happen at a hotel or conference centre instead. You won’t be invited to an assessment centre until a little further into the job application process. So you can be assured that if you are attending an assessment centre, there’s a good chance you have the skills required for the role.
What does it entail?
Each assessment centre will be different. But the day is likely to include a mix of different testing methods such as interviews, group discussion and individual psychometric testing. The point is to scrutinise your strengths and weaknesses, assess how you fit with the company and get a clearer idea of the kind of employee you’ll be. Try and think of it as a chance to showcase what makes you special and why you’d be the best candidate for the job. We’d always recommend going into the assessment centre having researched what the day will include, and having practised some psychometric tests.
Is there a format?
You’ll normally be welcomed with refreshments and given the chance to mingle with the other candidates. You’ll be briefed on what the day will entail and you’ll be told who is assessing you and what they’re looking for. Make sure you listen carefully as these instructions will be useful as the assessment gets going.
Who assesses you?
Again, this will vary from place to place, but you’ll often be assessed by a HR professional and/or the manager recruiting you for the role. They’ll be well versed in what to look for in the people they’re assessing and they’ll also do as much as they can to ensure the process is fair for everyone.
Why do some jobs not require an assessment centre?
Typically, assessment centres are held for management roles and graduate placements. For management positions, it’s essential to showcase your management style and how you’d cope with the additional responsibility of mentoring less-experienced staff. Whereas for graduate placements, it’s likely that you’re being assessed against a large number of other candidates with similar skills and levels of experience – the centre offers you the chance to showcase your individual skills and talents.
Armed with this knowledge and reassured that you’ll only have been invited to an assessment centre if you have the relevant skills, let nothing stand in the way of you and the big day!
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