Invited to an assessment centre?

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You have shown that you have the potential a new recruit needs. The assessment centre is another chance for you to show your suitability for the role. Knowing what to expect from the experience will help you shine.

Why are assessment centres used?

It is a way of finding candidates suitable for a role against the job competencies

You can show what you can do when faced with different work scenarios, rather than what you say you can do

It is a way of assessing lots of candidates at the same time

What are the recruiters looking for?

The recruiters want you to show transferable skills linked to the job competencies. For example, adaptability, leadership, problem-solving, communication, negotiation, teamwork and commercial awareness

They want you show that you want to work for their company, have similar values, and get on well with colleagues

They will look at your performance across all activities. If you don’t do well on one task, you can compensate by excelling at another

Who will succeed?

You could all be successful, a few of you, one or two, or none at all
Stay focused on your own performance, rather than competing against other candidates, after all these people may end up being colleagues

Assessors score your performance against competency frameworks to ensure the process is fair

Someone who uses the day to create opportunities for themselves, network and keep in-touch. If this isn’t your day there may still be future opportunities

What is the format?

You’ll complete a combination of tasks and activities that test your suitability for a job. This may happen in person or online

You will be one of several candidates assessed on the day. There will be a range of activities to complete. This could include group tasks, individual tasks, psychometric tests and an interview.

Assessors score your performance against competency frameworks to ensure the process is fair.

Some top tips

Stay focused on your own performance. Reframe how you approach the tasks in a collaborative rather than competitive way. Some of the candidates may end up being future colleagues.

Read all the instructions that you get and follow them. Manage your time to ensure you complete the task to the best of your ability.

Let employers know about any requirements you may have. They want to see your potential, so ask for any adjustments you need. Read our page on applying with a disability for more information.
Try and use the day to learn more about the business, network with others, and keep in-touch. This may lead to future opportunities if you are unsuccessful on the day.

A typical assessment day schedule

Don’t forget that you will be observed throughout the day, even during breaks so be proactive and network. Try not to isolate yourself and go on your mobile phone.

Morning:

9am Introduction and meet the team

9.15am Employer presentation and group icebreaker exercise

10am Psychometric tests

11.30am Individual task such as an in-tray exercise or other role-related task

Afternoon:

12.45pm Lunch and chatting with the team

1.15pm Group exercise such as a case study

2.15pm Individual interviews

3.45pm Individual presentations

4.45pm Evaluation

5pm Finish

I was lucky enough to be invited to their assessment centre in-person at their Westminster office, and I wanted to reflect on my experience.

Although I wasn’t offered the graduate position, I was put on their reserve list and learned and gained a lot from the experience regardless.

Rania Monasch, student

Read Rania's blog post