ASSESSMENT CENTRE Once a candidate has successfully passed the psychometric testing stage of their application process, they may be invited to attend an assessment centre either in-person or online. Assessment centres assess the ability of a candidate to work successfully in a team environment, testing further interpersonal skills which cannot be easily ascertained from online questionnaires or tests the candidate has already sat. These consist of 4-8 candidates being presented with a mock case study, discussing it in front of a panel of recruiters, and presenting their business solution at the conclusion of their discussion. It is essential that candidates demonstrate their communication, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, time management and conflict management skills during the assessment centre.
Avoid being a dominant personality talking over others and not giving them a chance to contribute their ideas and opinions. Instead, actively work to facilitate the discussion, and include others in the discussion.
Showcase that you are a team player by building on others’ ideas, and acknowledging and validating their perspectives and contributions. Avoid simply waiting until you have a chance to speak without actively listening to others.
To demonstrate time management skills, remind the group of certain time limits, and suggest that they should move on to another topic of discussion if too much time has been spent on the current topic.
If conflict arises, attempt to be a mediator. Acknowledge the opposing perspectives present, and actively work to come to a compromise that satisfies all parties involved. 13
