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I need help with applications and the recruitment process What are assessment centres?
An assessment centre is usually an all day event (or longer) which
forms part of the latter stages of a company's recruitment
procedure. Employers want to find out how you perform in different
situations and devise activities to test you in various ways. Check out Information
resources for useful links and publications.
What can I expect to happen at an assessment
centre?
Various activities - but you are unlikely
to face everything listed here at one assessment centre
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Second interview - a second interview will
focus on any doubts or weaknesses that were raised in the first
interview - more
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Chance to
meet recent graduate
recruits - even if you're told that this isn't being assessed,
don't relax too much! Use the opportunity to find out about
the actual work, a typical day, the change from student to working
life etc
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In-tray exercise - the scenario is that your
boss has been taken ill and you have to sort through the papers on
his/her desk with the aid of a diary and organisation chart - more
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Aptitude or psychometric tests - many
employers run verbal and numerical reasoning tests - these are held
under strict exam conditions. Practise in advance, declare any
disability (including dyslexia) and mention if English is not your
first language before the test begins. Diagrammatic reasoning
tests are used mainly in computing posts
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Group exercises - these may be
practical,discussion based or physical activities - more
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Presentation - You may be notified of a
topic in advance or given a subject during the assessment centre.
Remember that the style of your presentation is as important
as the content.
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Group discussion - You may be asked to discuss
issues of current importance to the profession or sector or
current news items. Prepare by keeping up to date with the news and
researching the sector, other organisations within that sector etc.
General rules for assessment centres
- Never give up - even if one person seems to be doing everything perfectly
- Don't panic if you do badly in one aspect. If you do well in others, your overall assessment may still be
good.
- Speak clearly, observers may be behind you in group exercises
- Don't compare yourself with others - employers recruit to a
standard, not a quota
- Get involved in all activities
- Beware of the free bar!
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