Congrats, you've made it to an Assessment Centre! This means you should be coming towards the end of the hiring process. These type of assessments can be daunting, which is why we've put together some helpful tips to ease any concerns and get you prepared for the day! 🤩
An assessment centre (AC) tends to be the final stage in the hiring process and commonly consists of a combination of tasks, interviews and group activities that assess your suitability for the position. The number of people who attend an AC at the same time depends on the size of the company and the volumes they're hiring at, but a typical number would range between 8-12 candidates. Throughout the day you'll take part in a number of individual and group exercises, for example:
→ Preparation is key! Ahead of the AC the employer will most likely send out an itinerary for the day which gives a broad outline of what to expect throughout the day. Make sure to read the instructions carefully so you know what to expect. This is also important as some ACs will require you to prepare tasks ahead of the day (i.e a presentation). Similarly, like any other interview type it is essential that you've fully researched the company so you're commercially aware and prepared for questioning around your interest or motivation for applying to this particular company.
→ Employers take great pride in their company values and often test candidates on their understanding of them, as well as how closely they align to these values, so make sure to check those out ahead of time. It might be worth coming up with some personal examples of when you've shown those values in the past! We often receive feedback from employers stating that an important quality they look out for is passion for the company and position they're hiring for!
→ Use the job description to anticipate relevant skills that are needed in the position, to get a feel for what you might be tested on throughout the day. For example, if you're interviewing for a Customer Support role, one thing you'll likely to be assessed on is your ability to communicate well with others; this could be in the form of a presentation or team building exercise.
→ Make an impression! An AC is an awesome opportunity to show employers that you'd make a great addition to their team. Throughout the day you'll be assessed on how you're communicating with other people, so make an effort to interact with everyone in a friendly and professional manner. Take initiative in group activities, make contributions and open up discussions; this will show employers that you're present and taking the AC seriously.
→ On the day, don't panic! It's exciting that you've got to this point in the recruitment process. Try to maintain a positive outlook and take the day in your stride. It's is a great opportunity to show off your personality, highlight your suitability for the role and stand out from the crowd. 😎
✅ Read the pre-AC instructions carefully
✅ Research the company & job spec beforehand
✅ Make a conscious effort to get involved
✅ Show off your personality and make an impression
✅ Relax! Think of the AC as a valuable experience
❌ Forget to prepare
❌ Over-shadow the rest of the group
❌ Shy away from group activities
❌ Overthink the tasks
❌ Panic! You've got this.