Assessment Centre Tips and Preparation for Graduates

When our clients have decided they need to recruit a number of graduates at the same time we have worked with them to develop a successful assessment day. No two days are ever the same and as the client, it is your choice on how much involvement you want. This can be a cost-effective and time effective way of selecting candidates for the same or similar role and creates a real buzz for all involved on the day…. That’s if you get it right!

So what is an assessment centre and what is involved?

An assessment centre (or assessment day) usually involves a series of tasks and activities. They are designed to test your suitability for a role.

They can be held in person, at the employer’s offices, a central location or online via video conferencing platforms. The number of candidates attending the assessment centres will vary according to the employer. The length and structure of the assessment centres vary from employer-to-employer. Some consist of a morning or afternoon of activities whereas others last a full day or even longer in rare cases. Large recruiters will usually run assessment centres for graduate trainee positions. Assessment centres give an opportunity to evaluate a pool of candidates against a set of criteria. This allows the assessors to see how candidates react to situations they may come across in the role, as well as how they interact with those around them.

Typical activities to expect at an assessment centre

• Group activity– candidates put in to groups to work on a project, this could be a case study, discussion exercises and ice breaker or team task
• Case Study– Putting candidates in a work-related scenario in which you will be required to process and analyse information and communicate your findings or present recommendations either in writing or verbally.
• E-Tray or in tray exercise– A real world scenario in which candidates are judged on their ability to prioritise several tasks based on factors such as importance and urgency.
• Interview– Candidates can be put in to an interview. Asked a series of questions by one, or a panel of company representatives. Employers use a range of different question ‘types’ to help them draw out candidate’s experience, skills, knowledge, and personal attributes, as well as enthusiasm and motivation for the role.
• Presentations– Candidates could be asked to prepare and deliver a group or individual presentation. This could be on a topic provided by the employer or candidates might be asked to choose a topic.
• For an individual presentation, sent details in advance so candidates can prepare a presentation ahead, to deliver it on the day.
• Psychometric tests– Psychometric tests are typically done online, under exam conditions, and consist of questions designed to identify your skills, knowledge, and personality.
• Written Exercise – Candidates might need to process and analyse information relevant to the role before communicating your findings and recommendations in writing

Tips for Graduate assessment days

• Dress as if it is an interview. First impressions are key, so dressing appropriately will instantly set a good example for yourself before even beginning the tasks.
• Be confident. Never allow others to take control of tasks, as you will then be overshadowed by then, making it difficult for yourself to be noticed by the observers. You need to continue your confidence through all tasks, whether presenting in front of a big audience or completing an individual task on paper.
• RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH! You have to research the company you are having the assessment day for. They will expect you to know the business very well. A lot of the tasks could potentially be based on them, so including extra researched information in your answers will be fantastic. The observers will be able to notice if you have researched based on the answers you have given.
• Health and wellbeing. Make sure that the night before the assessment day you are eating well, having a chilled out time and getting plenty of sleep. You want to be able to wake up in the morning feeling well prepared and good about yourself. Having late nights or going out will only set you back from the beginning.
• The final tip is practice. There are plenty of resources online, like this Assessment Centre Guide and this Practice Group Exercises, which can help you prepare for the tests you will be set throughout the assessment period. If you complete practice assignments before the proper day, this gives you an advantage over other candidates as you already know what types of tasks and questions you will be set.