Assessment Centres

A practical guide for all individuals preparing for an Assessment Centre which includes tips, best practice advice and resources. It is written by a former international Human Resources leader and is relevant for internal as well as external recruitment and development events. 

The guide provides guidance on a wide range of activities frequently included in an Assessment Centre. These include testing, interviews, presentations, role play, in-tray and written exercises. 

The guide includes tools and links for further practice which should enable readers to increase their confidence and differentiate themselves positively from other Assessment Centre participants.

Content

Introduction

About the author

1. An Overview
   1. Purpose of Assessment Centres
   2. What to expect
   3. Who uses Assessment Centres
   4. Who are the Assessors
   5. What is being assessed
2. Preparation
   1. Gather all the details
   2. Research the company and industry comprehensively
   3. Prepare questions you want to ask at the Assessment Centre
   4. Notify the company of any special needs
   5. Review why you are a right match for the job and organisation
3. Psychometric Tests
   1. What is a Psychometric test and how does it work?
   2. Are Psychometrics fair?
   3. Can I fail?
   4. Online Testing
   5. Candidates with disabilities
   6. Invitation to take tests
   7. Practice
   8. Top tips on the day for all types of ability test
   9. Verbal Reasoning and Critical-thinking tests
   10. Numerical Tests
   11. Spatial Reasoning Tests
   12. Situational Judgement Tests
   13. Personality questionnaires
4. Presentations
   1. An overview
   2. Presentation in front of other candidates
   3. Short presentation with limited preparation time on the day
   4. Longer presentation prepared ahead of the day
   5. Presentation Structure
   6. Tips on Using Visual Aids
   7. Body language during presentations
5. Group Exercises
   1. An overview
   2. Top tips for succeeding in Group Exercises
6. Written Exercises
   1. Case Study exercises
   2. Drafting exercises
7. In-tray / e-tray exercises
   1. Paper and pen in-tray exercises
   2. E-tray exercises
8. Role Play exercises
9. Other Exercises
10. Interviews
    1. Types of interview
    2. How to prepare for competency based interviews
    3. Additional answers to prepare
11. On the Assessment Centre Day
    1. What to wear
    2. Body Language
    3. Social Event
    4. Follow up