Assessment centre for a job

[Feckingfireengine]

I've just heard that I have been invited to an assessment centre for a job role that I would very much like. I have experience in similar roles but not this role directly. It is an advising role with adult and young adult clients and will require listening skills as well as subject area knowledge.

I have never been to an assessment centre and I was just wondering if anyone could give me an idea of what sort of things to expect. They have said team and individual tasks and that those who pass the assessment centre will he asked back for a final interview. There is a lunch and refreshments included in the day and I'm expecting that we will be assessed on our interactions with each other during that time too.

Any thoughts on the sorts of things that you've had to do on assessment centres would be really appreciated.

The team task is usally a decision making one - so maybe what is ths best option out of six, or what sort of staff party to have. Normally the final outcome doesn't matter but how you came to it does. Never be the person who writes everything down on behalf of the group - those people never participate as much - but do offer to keep time. Listen to everyone but put your own views over in a constructive way.

If anyone is super quiet in the group ask thier opinion- that always go down well.

Individual tasks are often literacy and numeracy tests and an in-tray exercise (prioritise a list of tasks), something relevant to the job (how would you deal with this particular situation?).

Group exercises are assessing how you will be to work with: are you good-humoured and fully engaged throughout; do you participate but not dominate; how do you react to conflict (withdrawing into your shell or getting stroppy are both big no-noes); are you good at steering the group towards a solution without making them all hate you?

Yes, you are right, they will be watching you at lunch as well.

They are a bit of an ordeal: you’ll be exhausted by the end of it. The trick is to get the balance right between being on your best behaviour and letting some of your natural personality shine through.

As a previous poster says, don’t be the one who talks the loudest or the most, ask everyone’s point of view, make sure everyone is included. If someone makes a stupid suggestion don’t shoot them down - say great point but I think it might be better this way. Seek consensus from the group. Good luck

Sorry, a bit late back to this thread. Thanks, this is all really useful info. I'll try to remember all the advice.