Assessment centres

An assessment centre is an event held by an employer as part of their recruitment and selection process. Employers hold assessment centres to recruit people for a job or entry into a graduate recruitment programme.

Assessment centres are often run over two days. You will undertake a series of exercises and tests. They may be held either on the employer's premises, at a specialist assessment centre or in a hotel.

Generally, you will be in a small group of six to eight other applicants. You will be observed by one or more assessors.

Your invitation should give you some information about what to expect. If not, ask the employer.

Activities may include:

• Structured interview
  Panel or one-on-one. See Common job interview questions.
• Psychometric and selection tests
  Typically numerical and verbal reasoning tests, sometimes abstract, diagrammatical and spatial reasoning tests depending on the job you are applying for. See Psychometric and selection tests.
• Case questions
  A realistic and/or relevant business or technical problem you have to solve individually or as a group. See Case questions.
• Group discussion
  This could include 'leaderless' discussion (participants work together towards consensus), discussions in which participants take turns to lead or discussions where participants are each given a role to play.
• Presentation
  You may be asked to prepare a presentation in advance or deliver a presentation with little or no warning.
• In-tray exercises
  Participants deal with an imaginary in-tray, containing, for example, memos, letters, faxes and emails. Try an online e-tray exercise called Fast Stream.
• 'Social' activities
  These can include lunch, tour of premises, etc. These are an opportunity for participants to unwind and ask questions — but be aware that your social skills are being assessed.

Rating scale
Most assessors have a standard rating scale for each candidate and exercise. A team of assessors consolidates their findings at the end of the session. The variety of activities gives the employer a balanced evaluation of each candidate.

What employers will assess
Depending on the activity, employers may be assessing how the group interacts and who takes a natural lead.

Employers will also assess:

• How you work with other people (your interpersonal skills).
• How you would fit into the workplace.
• How you behave under pressure.
• How you cope with work-related tasks.
• How you approach problem-solving.

It's important to know what you are likely to be faced with. Otherwise it could come as a shock, and you are unlikely to perform to your full potential.

Refresh your memory and knowledge

• Re-read your original cover letter, CV and application form. Remind yourself about which attributes the employer is looking for.
• Keep up-to-date with current issues relevant to the job or organisation by reading appropriate newspapers and periodicals.
• Ensure you know what the format is to be — ask if necessary.

Read about assessment centres
Read the books on assessment centres at University Careers Services.

Practise doing tests

• Practise online aptitude tests.
• Have a look at sample tests held at University Careers Services.
• Practise an in-tray exercise like Fast Stream.
• Practise working on case studies and questions. We have information to help you at University Careers Services.

Practise doing puzzles
Practise doing puzzles, word games, mathematical teasers, puzzles with diagrams. These may help you get in the right frame of mind. Brush up your maths skills — practise mental arithmetic with and without a calculator.

Practise your reasoning skills
Practise your verbal reasoning skills by reading manuals, technical reports, academic journals and business journals. Extract the main points and summarise.

Practise an interview
Book a practice interview appointment with a careers consultant on Auckland CareerHub. First-time users will need to register.

Watch the online videos

You will need your UPI and password to watch these videos:

• At the assessment centre
  73 minutes
  (2009, Manchester: AGCAS)
• The Assessment Centre
  27 minutes
  (2001, Sheffield: AGCAS)
  Shows what happens at a typical assessment centre when a major employer selects graduates with degrees 'in any discipline'.  This video is incorporated into Big opportunities for small business.

Be yourself
Don't try to be the person you think they want. Don't talk for the sake of talking. Don't compete against other candidates. And don't try to dominate the group. People with different styles can be just as effective.

Show your interest
Be enthusiastic. Show interest in the other candidates. Talk to senior staff if you get the opportunity.

Ask questions
Ask questions and join in discussions. Listen carefully to instructions, and ask if you are not clear about what you have to do.

Be aware
Assume you're being assessed at all times. Make sure you're aware of the time constraints in any exercise so you can produce what was asked for in that time. Don't eat or drink too much. And don't panic if you feel you have made a mess of an exercise. It's your overall performance they're interested in. Nobody is perfect!

Evaluate your performance
Make note of how you performed. What could you have done better or differently? What did you do well?

Ask for feedback
If you're not offered the job, you can ask for feedback on your performance.

Share your experience
We'd like to hear from University of Auckland students and recent graduates who have been to an assessment centre. If you'd like to share your experiences, please email careers@auckland.ac.nz.

The following are books and videos on assessment centres:

• University of Edinburgh. Careers Service. (2004). Successful interviews (including assessment centres and psychometric testing). Edinburgh: University of Edinburgh. Careers Service.
• Tolley, Harry & Wood, Bob. (2001). The Times how to succeed at an assessment centre : test-taking advice from the experts. London: Kogan Page Ltd.
• Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services. (2001). At the assessment centre  [DVD].  Manchester: AGCAS. (73 minutes)
• Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services. (2009). The assessment centre video [Video]. Sheffield: AGCAS.
• Williams, David et al. (2006). How to get the best graduate job. Harlow: Pearson Prentice Hall.
• University of Edinburgh. Careers Service. (2004). Successful interviews (including assessment centres and
  psychometric testing). Edinburgh: University of Edinburgh. Careers Service.
• Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services. (no date) Two whole days. [Video]