The Business Careers Handbook 2020
HOW TO GET HIRED
117
What to expect at an assessment centre
Assessment centres Many organisations use assessment centres in their recruitment processes for student and graduate recruitment. What is an assessment centre? Candidates are invited to assessment centres to undertake a combination of individual and group exercises. They are used by organisations to compare candidates on the same day and reduce the number of shortlisted candidates moving to the next round. The length of time you’ll be expected to present at an assessment centre varies widely, from as little as a few hours to as much as three days. How to prepare One of the main objectives of assessment centre recruiters is to see how you perform under pressure. As such, you should anticipate some degree of stress. People perform better when they know to expect stress and have done everything they can to manage it. You should also know what the schedule for the day is, read any preparatory material and double-check the dress code (typically formal). It can be daunting, but remember: this is a chance to show off your skills and also assess whether the organisation is right for you.
■ Practise. Assessment centres often subject candidates to psychometric tests, verbal reasoning tests and numerical tests. You would do well to practise each of these – there are many online resources you can draw upon. Alternatively, you may contact a careers advisor for advice on how to prepare. ■ Present. Some recruiters will ask you to prepare a presentation for delivery at the assessment centre. This will allow them to test your communication skills. Their attention will focus on the structure of the presentation, as well as its content and delivery. On the day Don’t be surprised if, on the day, you find yourself joined by a large group of people all applying for the same role. There will also be an organiser and various representatives of the organisation. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, but bear in mind that your nervousness is usually related to how others will react to your performance. The performance itself is a separate issue – something relatively within your control – and, if you’ve prepared well, then you have nothing to worry about.
Things you can do in advance include: Know what is happening in the world. A general understanding of world politics and business will give you a broader understanding of most topics that can arise during formal and informal conversations. ■ Know what is happening in the sector. Be sure to know the most relevant updates. Research whether or not the organisation in question has been in the news lately. You should also familiarise yourself with any broader industry trends and news stories, and be sure to have an opinion. This may not be obviously relevant, but it’s the kind of thing a recruiter or fellow candidate might bring up in conversation. ■ Know the competitors. This will help you answer any questions about where you think the future of the organisation will be. Will they follow a competitor who is doing well or are they doing things differently?
Protiviti’s assessment centre will let them get to know you and how you conduct yourself around your future colleagues.
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