Assessment centres

Assessment centres are selection days used by employers to enable them to assess the skills and competencies you are able to offer. The process is designed to be objective and fair as all candidates go through exactly the same process.

What activities might be included?

Group exercise – designed to assess interpersonal skills such as teamwork and leadership:

  • Case study / Scenario – The group is given information to read and is asked to make group decisions or recommend a course of action.
  • Group presentation – This could be an extension of the case study activity or on any topic.
  • Group practical task – this could be anything and unrelated to the job – for example, building a newspaper tower or Bridge.

In-tray / E-tray exercise – individual activity designed to assess decision-making skills and the ability to prioritise effectively:

  • You will be given a series of letters or emails and you will be asked to read them and decide how you would respond.

Psychometric tests – These may be part of an assessment centre, however, many employers will conduct tests at an earlier stage of the interview process. Some employers will use shortened tests at assessment centres to enable them to validate tests previously taken by candidates. See the psychometric testing section for further information.

See the following video for tips and advice on assessment centres

With thanks to CareerPlayer, Graduate Jobs and Career Advice on video

Further advice and information