assessment centre as part of the recruitment process, what would you expect and how can i prepare?

[cat88]

I've noticed a job advert but it states that the interview process will include an assessment centre. What does this mean? What would it involve? Is there any preparation I can do. I'm trying to get my head around it as not applied for externals jobs for years so not really sure what to expect. Any ideas? Thanks

What sort of job is it?

I've had assessment centres for IT work (doesn't seem so common these days, which is either because I've got more experience, or because they're less fashionable.) There were some techy tests, and also some psychometric testing. I've also done some typing and data entry tests for temping in the past.

If you get some idea of what's involved, (and if you get to interview, I would expect some indication,) then you should be able to prepare. Bit difficult while you don't know what it is, and it will vary according to who is recruiting and for which role.

Hi Its a professional role for a large organisation. I have limited time to prepare (due to childcare) so not sure whether it would be professional expertise assessed or more generic verbal, numeracy, personality testing, or both.

They have not shortlisted yet but I am I wondering whether to ask would be considered v cheeky at this stage...

I think if your shortlisted a quick call or e-mail to sound them out would be fine. We use SHL tests and there are loads of free pratice tests on line so I always point people to there. Good luck.

Have you even applied?

If you're shortlisted and they don't give information at that point about what's involved then by all means ask. It shouldn't take very long to find some examples of whatever you'll be doing on the internet.

If it's one where you have to do a group task I have been an assessor on these before. Few tips
Completing the task is not the point, it's HOW you interact with the team
Don't be too dominant
Ask others opinions
Encourage others
Be assertive but not pushy
Be positive but offer constructive criticism
Explain what you are doing and why
Follow instructions clearly
Assign roles within group ( time keeping etc)
Keep checking you are on track and everyone is happy
Include everyone
Look like you are enjoying it

You may well find that it's not just the assessment bits where you are assessed. Be prepared to be observed all day including when you first walk through the door, during lunch and any breaks and when you leave.

You will normally be told in advance if you need to prepare a presentation or similar but I would wait until have been shortlisted before worrying.

Assessment centres are more common where organisations have a large number of similar posts to fill (eg graduate recruitment) or where there are similar posts to be filled across multiple locations - because it's a quicker way of dealing with volume. You should still expect to have a competency based interview during the day.

What Hopping said if there's a group exercise- I recently went through an assessment centre ( successfully) and my feedback mentioned most of the points she makes. I also had a competency based interview as part of the day

Thanks everyone for these suggestions.
Flowery - I have applied but not heard anything yet - only a week after closing date though.

I just know between maternity leave and childcare I've got a lot to do to prepare - I just feel i'm not as sharp as i was before if that makes sense? So I need to get my brain in gear and make the best use of the time available.

Ebearhug its a professional role maybe say around 5 years post graduate it sounds like they have a number of different specialisms within the profession to fill so trying to decide whether to cover all bases - focus on my weak points or play to my strengths - focus on my background and strengths.

Redcliff - ive had a look at the SHL tests and will double check for more details if shortlisted.

Hoppinggreen and K8Middleton thanks for the reminder and Ive done that type of thing before on training days and am told I come across well in these settings but know i do get more nervous in the formal interview stages.
Bourdic - can i ask what a competency based interview is - is that the STARS examples?

Competency-based interviews involve questions which target a specific skill or competency listed in the job/person spec. Candidates are asked questions relating to their behaviour in specific circumstances, which they then need to back up with concrete examples. So for example- working as part of a team ' can you tell me what teams you have been a member of? ' followed by maybe ' how would you handle a disagreement within the team?' Followed by, ' can you give an example of a disagreement and what you did?' The concrete examples are really important and it's possible to reflect on what you did and say how you might have done it differently or conversely why you thought it worked well

Sorry cat, missed the STARS bit - yes