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Assessment Centres

If you're successful at a job interview you might find that instead of being offered a job you are asked by the employer to go through another round of selection - an assessment centre. This involves a series of exercises, often in a group, and usually at the employers premises. This will typically last for a day - but sometimes takes place over more than one day. 

The good news is, that you have a good chance of being hired; many other candidates have already been rejected.

Assessment Centres are mostly used by large organisations. They run assessment sessions because they feel they are able to find out more about you, than they could through just an interview. They are taking fewer chances in how they hire and the gain for you is, that should the employer offer you a job there is a greater chance that it will be one you'll enjoy and that fits with your skills and abilities.

As with interviews, it pays to be enthusiastic and well prepared. Don't be hostile to the other candidates - a group that gets on well and co-operates will perform better and you will all have a better chance of being hired. Although it may not appear that way, you're not necesarily in direct competition with other attendees. Employers are looking for candidates who meet their criteria, they can choose several people from a group, or none at all.

It may not matter too much if you make an error during one activity, assessors look at your performance throughout the day. They are often impressed if you keep cool and don't panic if you make a mistake.

Try and be yourself, but you on a good day. If you are well prepared you'll be more relaxed and prepared better.

Further Information

  • Watch, in the Careers Service, the 30 minute DVD The Assessment Centre Video.
  • Visit Prospects website for further information on assessment centres
  • Explore Destinations® website for information, activities and video clips on assessment centres.
  • Read the Careers Service leaflet Assessment Centres.
  • View below extracts from a real assessment centre exercises. Log on with your user's name and password if required.

            Introduction    (2m 13s)

            Ice breaker exercise (0m 52s)

            Prepared presentation (8m 40s)

            Role play (7m 28s)

            In-tray exercise (3m 52s)

            Group discussion (17m 52s)

            Meal with the selectors (0m 40s)

            Case study (4m 51s)

            Interview (14m 56s)

            Summary/guide (10m 19s)