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Source: Realworld, 12/1/07
Assessment centres are considered by many employers to be one of the most effective selection methods around. Unfortunately, the idea of being scrutinised by recruiters tends to induce panic in graduates. But assessment centres can be a rewarding experience. Your best bet is to prepare well and give it your all on the day. “Remember, if you’ve got this far you’ve done exceptionally well,” says Noreen Cobbe at business services firm, BDO Stoy Hayward. |
Checklist:
1 Research...
Think about why you want the position and the skills required for the role, because many of the tests will simulate aspects of the job. Read trade magazines and re-acquaint yourself with the graduate brochure. Contact the organisation for information about their assessment process and ask them to send you any briefing materials.
2 Practice...
Make full use of any careers service practice sessions or employer events on campus. These are confidence builders and give you a feel about the challenges you will face. Prepare a few good questions for Q&A sessions, or (supposedly) informal social events.
3 Presentations...
How do you assimilate information and cope under pressure? Here, you will prepare a topic in advance, speaking to the selectors and other candidates for between 10 and 15 minutes. Think clarity and structure (introduction of the issue, the main bulk, a closing summary, or proposals for resolution of a problem). Make concise notes but don’t read from a script or lose eye contact with your audience. Remember to stick to the time limit and watch out for ‘ums’, ‘ahs’ and dodgy body language.
4 Aptitude tests...
These demand numerical efficiency (interpreting data from statistical tables), verbal comprehension (evaluating the logic of given statements) and diagrammatic reasoning (finding connections or associations between diagrams or symbols). “If ability tests are going to be part of the assessment centre then practice,” says Noreen. “You’ll find advice on employer websites or online.”
5 In-trays...
Your task will be to file paperwork, mail or memos in order of importance, drafting replies and delegating tasks. “It’s a good way to see who can get a grip under time pressure,” says one recruiter. The most important factor is time management - read through all the documents quickly at first, then prioritise the most important information.
6 Group exercises…
These can involve anything from working on a case study together, such as the release of a new product, to problem solving exercises or leaderless discussions. You may be assigned a fictitious team member role and asked to attend a meeting with your fellow candidates. Remember that you are trying to show your ability to work with others as much as your ability to shine. “But do remember to speak up!” says Noreen. “You don’t have to dominate the group but if you don’t participate then we can’t assess you.”
7 Afterwards... The social event
There will be many opportunities to socialise at an assessment centre, especially over meal times. You might be told you aren’t being assessed. You are. Employers will still be watching to see how you mix and interact with others. At evening meals you will often meet recent graduate employees, to allow you to ask more questions about working with the company. Be sure to watch your alcohol intake and make a good impression as these recent grads will often be asked for their opinion of you prior to any job offer. “You are not being assessed but impressions do often filter back through,” says Noreen. “Remember you are still within the four walls of the business.”