Assessment Centre: Are You Right For The Job?

An assessment centre is an interactive session where employers assign you tasks and activities to assess your suitability for the the job role you're applying for.

It's a unique opportunity that allows you to demonstrate your skills and abilities in a more relaxed setting compared to a face-to-face interview.

What does it take to survive?

In our assessment centre, we were split up into groups to perform tasks and discuss a given case study in the form of a presentation. In our case, we were given a plane crash scenario where you could choose certain items before leaving the crash site.

Employers will be observing for key skills including;

->Adaptability

->Analytical thinking

->Communication

->Creativity

->Decision-making

->Persuasion

->Team work

->Time management

It is important to keep in mind these key skills that employers are looking for and to demonstrate them as much as possible in the time provided.

Perhaps the most daunting part of an assessment centre is the idea of presenting. In a room full of potential employers and competition however is is important to demonstrate your confidence and keenness for a job by putting yourself out there and volunteering to as a spokesperson for your group. This can often demonstrate leadership skills and initiative.

If you aren't able to present, keep in mind that Q&A may be your time to shine. The worst possible thing you could do is slack off whilst the spokes person steals the limelight- be prepared!

Mock interviews

A useful part of an assessment centre are mock interviews. By being put into positions of employer to employee, you are able to understand the differences in dynamics between the roles and apply them to professional interviews.

This aspect for students can often be quite awkward and hard to take seriously.

Feedback is perhaps the most important aspects of the mock interviews, in both positions. You must be able to critically assess yourself and others to progress and improve.

My experience.

I gained most out of the feedback session of the mock interviews, which taught me to maintain eye contact with employers, to take my time when answering questions and lastly to maintain good, professional posture.

However, a sore spot throughout the assessment centre was being observed. I felt that most of the group, myself included, became shy whilst being observed and didn't show their true potential in front of the 'employer' which may have a downside in a real assessment centre.

Also, working in groups with new people who I don't know felt daunting at first, but once we began the workshop everyone was supportive and positive. I felt the positivity and support helped to subside nerves during the mock interview process.

Presenting in front of large groups has always been a struggle, but by volunteering as a spokesperson I felt I conquered my fear and helped to develop my confidence so if I was asked to an assessment centre in the future I'll feel more prepared.

Here's some additional information and how to prepare yourself for future assessment centres!:

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/interview-tips/assessment-centres

https://www.assessmentday.co.uk/assessmentcentre/

https://www.assessmentcentrehq.com/assessment-centre-introduction/

An assessment centre for Sky:

How NOT to behave in an assessment centre:

Good luck!!