Assessment Centres

You may be invited to attend an Assessment Centre, particularly if you are applying for a job with a large employer. Invitations to an Assessment Centre usually follow on from a first successful interview, although this is not always the case.

Applications talks and DVDs

We have a large number of talks and DVDs on assessment centres to help you plan.

Employers like to use Assessment Centres as it gives them a chance to assess your performance in a more specific and analytical way and see your skills and personal qualities in action.

The activities will have been carefully selected to provide the best chance of diagnosing which candidates offer the best match to the job. No matter how odd or silly these activities seem, have a go and enter into the spirit of the task; your attitude and approach are under observation. Be aware that it is not a competition within the group, you are all aiming to do well. All of you may get through or none of you.

Examples are outlined here but you may come across other exercises. Ask at the Careers Service for materials that will help you prepare.

• Personality questionaires - provide an insight into your personality rather than measure ability. There are no right or wrong answers so try to answer the questions as honestly as possible.
• Giving a presentation - is a popular choice at Assessment Centres as it shows the employer your ability to research, understand and communicate information well. It's worth brushing up on your presentation skills prior to attending an Assessment Centre.
• Report writing - in this exercise you will be given paperwork dealing with a particular situation and asked to write a short report or draft a response to a letter. You will be tested on your ability to:
  • analyse information quickly.
  • think logically.
  • use your judgement.
  • express yourself clearly and accurately on paper.
• In-tray exercises - you are given an appropriate work role (marketing manager for example) and the 'In-Tray' for that job. You are asked to make decisions on the priority and handling of each item and will be working against the clock. This exercise shows your:
  • ability to handle complex and unfamiliar information.
  • basic job skills.
  • communication and decision making skills.
  • common sense.
  • how you cope under pressure.
• Group tasks and role play - involve candidates working to a brief with defined roles (as the finance manager, sales manager etc.) to tackle a workplace problem. Demonstrate your skills in:
  • group work. Contribute without dominating and try to involve others if they haven't said much.
  • communication. Listen to others without interupting.
  • adaptability and flexibility.
  • tolerance of working under pressure.
  • determination and perseverance.
  • commitment.
  • analysing information and problem solving.

If you require more information on what to expect:

• What's On - make use of the What's on section of our website. There are a number of presentations and workshops on Assessment Centres.
• Information Resources - search the Information Resources section which lists the extensive range of material held in our Careers Service.