Assement Centres

​​​Employers use assessment centres to gather comprehensive insights into how candidates might perform in the role. Through various activities, they assess skills, knowledge, and how well you might fit into the organisation's culture.

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Assessment centres are typically held at the employer’s offices or at nearby training venues, so it’s essential to confirm the location in advance. They usually last either half a day or a full day, depending on the industry and role, and you'll likely be joined by 6 to 12 other candidates. It’s important to strike a balance between being a team player and standing out as an individual.

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You’ll participate in both individual and group exercises. Typically, you’ll face 3-4 of the following activities:

 

• Group Activities: You’ll collaborate with other candidates to solve a problem or complete a task. While teamwork is essential, assessors also look for leadership and initiative. Draw quieter participants into the discussion, listen to others, and diplomatically present your ideas.

• Role Play Exercises: These simulate real-life work scenarios where you're required to react and make decisions. Show active listening, problem-solving, and effective communication skills. Make sure to demonstrate empathy and professionalism, especially if the exercise involves resolving a conflict.

• Presentations: You may be asked to present on a given topic or case study. Plan your structure, be clear and concise, and engage your audience. Demonstrate confidence, organisation, and your ability to communicate complex information effectively.

• Case Studies: You’ll be presented with a business problem to analyse. Here, you need to showcase critical thinking and decision-making abilities. Explain your reasoning clearly and provide evidence to support your conclusions.​

• Psychometric Tests: These assess your cognitive abilities or personality through timed tests. For cognitive tests (numerical, verbal, logical), work quickly and accurately. Personality tests require honest, consistent answers. Practice beforehand to build familiarity and speed.

• Analytical Exercises: You’ll analyse data or business problems to make decisions. Break down information logically and explain your reasoning clearly. Focus on both the process and the outcome to demonstrate your analytical thinking.

• One-to-One or Panel Interviews: One-to-one interviews focus on your experience and skills, while panel interviews involve multiple interviewers. Stay composed, give clear answers, and address the whole panel. Use the STAR method to answer competency questions effectively.

• Skills/Written Tasks: These test your practical skills, like writing reports or completing technical exercises. Be clear, concise, and thorough. Manage your time well to complete tasks and review your work before submission.

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Assessors will be evaluating key skills such as:

• Analytical Thinking

• Problem Solving

• Teamwork

• Leadership

• Critical Thinking

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After the assessment centre, the final decision is usually made once all activities have been reviewed, so you might not hear back immediately. Employers should provide an estimated timeline for feedback, and if unsuccessful, it’s worth asking for constructive feedback to help you improve for future opportunities.

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Virtual Assessment Centres

Many employers now run virtual assessment centres, which follow a similar structure to in-person ones but take place online. Be sure to familiarise yourself with any technology or software in advance.