UEL Get That Job

Assessment centres vary according to the employer but quite often follow a similar structure. Some may last 2 days or more, some may be residential and, if you’re lucky, some can be over in just a morning. Click on the headings below for more information about what to expect.

Typical schedule for an assessment centre

• 09.00 Arrival and coffee with other candidates
• 09.30 Introductions and explanation of the day
• 09.45 Group exercise
• 11.00 Break
• 11.15 Individual presentation
• 12.00 Networking lunch
• 13.00 Psychometric tests
• 14.00 Break
• 14.15 In-tray exercise
• 15.00 Interview
• 16.00 Depart

Who are the assessors?

The assessors are usually a senior manager, a line manager, a manager from a different department and someone from Human Resources.

Some organisations hire companies to run their assessment centres or recruit professional assessors.

Each assessor observes one or two applicants in different activities and scores them against competencies – the skills and abilities needed to do the job. At the end of the day, all assessors will have observed all candidates and will meet to make a decision on who to offer a position to.

Networking lunch

There is no such thing as an ‘informal lunch’ at an assessment centre. You are on display during all breaks just as much as during the activities.

Remember to be aware of your body language, your appearance, how you eat and what you say at all times. Employers will be observing to see how you interact with others and conduct yourself in these ‘informal’ situations too.

In-tray/e-tray exercises

In-tray or e-tray exercises very often form part of an assessment centre. These are timed tests requiring you to work under pressure. In-tray exercises are paper-based tasks asking you to analyse business information and make decisions, recommendations or other responses for a given scenario.

Many firms now also use e-tray or Inbox exercises where you work through an inbox of e-mails prioritising them, deciding on actions, extracting information etc. You may have to respond to some e-mails and deal with new messages coming in during the exercise to test how you work under pressure.

Tips:

• Make sure you understand exactly what you are being asked to do. Check with the assessor before your time begins if necessary.
• Read all the information very carefully: check dates, times, job titles etc.
• Make a plan for any responses you have to write so you don’t miss out anything important.
• Make sure your language is appropriate to the style of the e-mail or document you are responding to.
• Take your time. Employers are looking for accuracy and quality and not always speed. Keep an eye on time and prioritise the most important actions to deal with.
• Always check your spelling and grammar. Proof read your responses before submitting or sending anything.
• Don’t panic. The exercise is also about testing if you remain calm under pressure.
• Practice these exercises.

Many employers will be happy to give you an outline of their selection process including the timings. Check their website to see if the information is there. If not, it’s fine to give the HR department a call. The more you know what to expect, the better you can prepare.