Assessment Centres Graduate Recruitment for Employers

Assessment Centres 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!

They can be held in person, at the employer’s offices, a central location or online via video conferencing platforms.  It is important to remember that graduates are being assessed against the employer’s criteria, not against each other.

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.

The day will often begin with a welcome talk, followed by a tour/video before the assessments begin. Usually there will be one or two assessments during the morning. Then you will break for lunch, having the opportunity to socialise or network online with other candidates. You may even get to talk with some employees. After a lunch break, there will be more assessment tasks, followed by interviews then final evaluations before the end of the day.

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.

Its very important that any assessments or tasks are kept relevant to the role that the graduates are applying for. Its also important to advise of the matrix setting out the timelines for grading and when candidates can expect feedback on their performance.

What is involved?

It’s a series of activities or tasks that are relevant to the job that will assess a candidate’s suitability for the role and for the company.

At The Graduate, we have worked with our clients in developing a whole range of activities and key exercises that can assist in the assessment of candidates on the day as well as checking the documentation and activities that are already in place. These activities and exercises would include:

• One on one interviews – An interview between yourself and another person. The best way to prepare for an interview like this would be to research the company and practice with someone you know. This way you will be more confident on the day knowing you are more prepared.
• Panel interviews – Similar to one on one interviews, a panel consists of two or more people interviewing you. Like before, you need to know the company inside and out. This way if they decide to throw curveballs at you, this won’t be a problem as you will know everything about what they do.
• In-tray exercises – This is a paper-based scenario which you would be asked to complete. Before attending the assessment centre, go online and practice scenarios which relate to the role you are applying for, this way when it comes to the big day there will be little surprises and you’ll feel more comfortable.
• Presentations – Presenting a topic to an audience you have been given time to research. Not everyone is great at presentations. The best way to prepare is to get good practice in front of different audiences. This will not only help confidence but help you learn and understand what you are talking about more, making it easier for you to remember what to say!
• Team exercises – Working with one or more person/s to complete assigned tasks. There is no real way to practice working with others. Just make sure on the day of the test you put yourself out there as much as possible. Make sure to be confident and get involved so the employers notice you more.
• Tests – Numerical, proofreading, writing, analysing information. Once again practice. You need to practice different tests that can be found online or on our website. Attempting different test for the role you are going for will give you an insight to what type of questions you will be faced on the assessment day, therefore giving you the advantage on others.

It is vital that all delegates attending an assessment centre are marked in the same way so you can compare results. The Graduate will either create the matrix for you or assist with creating. You are the client so we work with you until you have the right solution for your campaign.

You can either use the Get in touch section below or Contact us section, if you want further information or just want to discuss your best option for recruitment.