A brief guide to graduate assessment centres
Find out why graduate employers use assessment centres, what recruiters look for and how you can prepare to be a successful candidate.
Assessment centres are a regular feature of the graduate recruitment process. While they usually last one day, they can sometimes run over two and include an overnight stay in a hotel. Obviously the purpose of these events is to assess that you are right for the job, but it’s not completely one sided. You also get to weigh up what you think of the employer and find out more about the graduate position on offer.
The fairest way to select the best candidate for the job?
Employers use assessment centres because they are fairer and more effective than a standard job interview, which can be very subjective. Assessment days bring together a group of candidates who complete a series of exercises, tests and interviews that are designed to evaluate their suitability for graduate jobs within the organisation. This format makes it much easier for you to showcase a broader range of skills and competences than you would have opportunity to demonstrate in an interview.
Designed to put you to the test
Most graduate employers design their own assessment centres so that they can test for skills and aptitudes that are right for their own organisations, but they typically contain similar elements. As well as interviews you could expect to do a combination of group work exercises, presentations, aptitude tests, in-tray or e-tray exercises, or case studies linked to the job function.
What recruiters look for
Recruiters look at a number of things including how you demonstrate core competences such as communication, teamwork and problem solving. In the group setting it’s also much easier for them to assess how well you work with others, how you influence and persuade and how others respond to you. The assessors will want to see how you react to different situations, much as you would have to in the job itself.
Assessment centres make it much easier for you to showcase a broader range of skills
An assessment centre might seem like survival of the fittest where a group of candidates battle it out until one is left standing, but this really isn’t the case. Always remember that you are being assessed against the employer’s criteria and not against the other candidates. In a group of eight people, for example, it’s possible that all of you might get a job offer or you may all be rejected. You will need to find a way to work together with your ‘colleagues’ to achieve the goals and tasks set.
How you can succeed at assessment centres
Turn up with an open mind and be ready to get involved, but remember that some standard, practical preparation before the day will be your biggest help and confidence booster. Don’t attempt to wing it.
Read carefully all the literature the employer sends you. As well as practical information about the date, location and start time it should also tell you how the day will be structured, which will help you prepare. You may need to complete parts of a case study or put together a presentation beforehand. Plan time for this and don’t leave it until the last minute. And don’t be late on the day – punctuality is the first part of the test!
Revise your employer research. Return to the research you did for your application and go back to the employer’s website to check whether they provide any tips for assessment centre candidates. If you are unsure of what is expected of you, contact the recruiter to ask any queries.
Be self aware. To succeed at assessments you need to be aware, flexible and reactive – and not attempt to force your personality on the situation. Be yourself, but be aware that ultra-competitive behaviour can easily come across as arrogance. And if you are too shy to speak your qualities won’t be assessed.
Brush up on your interview technique. Interviews will be included in the format so be ready to shine for the bits where you go solo.
Use your careers service. Most careers services run practice sessions for assessment centres. At the very least you may be able to practice psychometric tests or book sessions to prepare for the individual assessment centre activities, such as group exercises.
And now find out about applications and interviews relevant to your chosen profession
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