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Assessment Centres are a tool that is becoming ever prevalent in the recruitment process of most large companies, especially for that of senior positions. Research has shown that an assessment centre is the most accurate method of predicting the job performance of an applicant, as it can delve into your behavioural and technical skills by the use of psychometric testing. They also give you, the applicant, a chance to see how much the employing organisation invests in getting its recruitment “correct” and should give you greater security in terms of you making the right move. Don’t be nervous of assessment centres, all participants are in the same boat, and its likely the facilitator is going to be slightly apprehensive to ensure they get the process right and give you the right image of their organisation. Assessment Centres are usually much less daunting than you expect and very often applicants really enjoy themselves. The employing organisation is itself is on show and they want to make a favourable impression on you.
The assessment itself will consist of a number of different sections; almost certainly a structured interview, aptitude test and team working exercise(s), however, listed below are some of the more common exercises that you are likely to encounter.
 Group Exercise(s)
You will be often be given a task, which you are asked to solve. This will either be on your own or in a small group, and then through a discussion of findings with your fellow group members. You must come to an agreement on the answer, however a debate is often the sign of a keen intellect, your findings must be accurate to the task completed. For example you could be asked to build a tower made from Lego in pairs with one of you blindfolded! The trick to this would be for the non blindfolded person to involve the blindfolded person as much as themselves, and not discount them. Do you “take people with you” or leave them behind, demoralised and demotivated. Think about if this were a real life work situation. What would your aims be and how would you want those around you to perceive you? What the assessors are most likely to be looking for is your ability to influence others, the ability to let your team working skills and your interpersonal skills shine through. You may be constricted to a timescale for the exercise so bear this in mind, likewise try not to be false and rushed merely to complete the task. The methodology and way you approach the task will be as important as the result.
Presentations
Presentation skills are often enhanced with experience, so if you are fortunate to know the topic to be presented, research it well and even practice this to a family member in the security of your own home. This will allow you to fine tune potential answers and even consider some questions that may be posed to you after the presentation is over. Put yourself in an assessor’s shoes, what questions might you pose? You won’t be bang on, but you will get your mind and imagination thinking. There are some common mistakes that you can prevent, for example if you’re given a time limit, you probably will be, stick to it! You will be marked down for finishing too early or going on too long. Everyone should rehearse, however, if you are given a free choice of subject choose carefully. Ask others if your chosen subject is interesting and unless specifically asked to do so, avoid work-related subjects. A day in the life of a store manager is sure to send your audience to sleep (the preparation for your wedding are also not likely to impress). Humour always goes down well but be careful and make sure it has wide appeal.
Organisational Exercises
These can be varied, but one example could include, a package of business related memos and paperwork that you are asked to prioritise. There is little advice that can be given as these vary considerably. Read through all the information quickly once and then pull out the obvious priorities. Look at key dates and times, look at the titles of the people who have sent you information and bear in mind their position in the business. Are there any large projects which rely on your contribution, if your piece is late how will this impact on the overall success of the project?
Leadership Exercises
This is common for all management roles and will be measured in group discussions and task performance exercises. There will also be some judgements made from the personality tests.
Communication
This is vital in any role that requires training others and will include written communication, presentation skills and the ability to impart information. It is measured during your presentation, interview and any written exercises. Your application letter and CV may also be judged.
Influence
This is important for all sales jobs and roles involving negotiation, for example buying. It is usually measured during group discussion exercises and presentations however can also be assessed during the interview.
Interpersonal
This is important in most jobs but especially relevant to HR, most management positions and any role involving negotiation. This will be measured in the group discussion and also during the interview. Many assessments measure this throughout the course of the day, perhaps at lunch. Beware you are on show from the moment you arrive.
Leadership Exercises
These usually involve getting a task performed with you organising a group of people. Again it is difficult to predict what maybe be included as thee tasks vary considerably. General pointer – Always check what skills you have available, listen as well as speak, treat every member of your group with courtesy and look after the weaker members of your group.
All these exercises are designed to highlight your competencies. Competencies are the buzzword of the HR functions yet different companies have differing views on what competencies are and which ones to uses. Typical competencies are:
Team Working
This is often over used but certainly relevant when people are expected to produce results working as a team. As you would expect, it is measured in the group discussion exercise.
Time Management
Superstore managers must have first class skills in this area and it will be measured by your performance during organisational exercise. Remember if you arrive for the day late, or your are late back from lunch this will all be taken into account when determining your time management ability.
Organisational Skills
Almost all jobs require a degree of organisational ability, however, it may be left off the list if other competencies are deemed more important.
In summary
The key to getting through the assessment centre is almost the same as any other selection process, be:
 Prepared
Enthusiastic
Happy
Finally whatever the outcome of the assessment centre make sure you ask for feedback. The assessors will learn a lot about you during the period of the assessment and in almost all cases they will be happy to share it with you.
Key Tips
Turn up!
This seems obvious but recruitment consultants and employers complain bitterly about no shows and last minute cancellations. Don’t commit to go to an assessment centre unless you are serious about going. Cancelling an interview at the last minute is one thing – the interviewer can always re-arrange their diary. An assessment centre cannot be cancelled and a lot of resources will have been committed. If you have to cancel, make sure you give a week’s notice minimum. Any less than that will damage your reputation. Not turning up at all is unforgivable and you may seriously damage your career especially if your place was attained though Recruitment Consultancy or an agency. Most of these businesses have computerised databases and will black list you indefinitely. Common excuses like “I have been called in to work” or “my area manager / director is visiting” will not cut any ice. All of us can get a guaranteed day off if we need to. The cost to the employer of your place on an assessment centre is likely to be in the region of £400 - £1500 – this is wasted on a last minute cancellation.
Don't bully other group members
If someone says something inappropriate, don't show your frustration. Don't talk over other group member ask politely to intervene. Encourage quieter members of the group for their opinion. It should be your goal to bring others around to your opinion, but don’t be afraid to concede where you can see others have a valid point. Offer to be scribe and if there is a flip chart in the room write the various points on that. It will give you control. Suggest that someone watch the time.
Prepare properly
If you are joining a retail company then go and have a look at some stores (at least two) and don’t rely on memory. You will almost certainly be asked what you thought of the store and if the company is a plc then get hold of a company report. You will not be expected to understand all the financial minutiae but it will give you an idea on how the company sees itself. Also try using the Internet – if you have computer access then this will give you vital information and prove that you are computer literate. Another useful tip is to check the share price. You can only do this no quoted companies but any serious newspaper will give you a listing.
Get an early night
If it's a morning start then make sure you get an early night the day before. You may be in a classroom type environment and if you are tired, it will show and your performance will suffer.
Arrive in plenty of time
If you are not sure how long it will take then either rehearse the journey or give yourself enough time to arrive 45 minutes early. Do not go into reception until 15 minutes before your appointed time. Your assessors may not be ready for you and may not like the intrusion.
Dress / Appearance
You will need to understand the culture of the business holding the assessment to work out appropriate dress, however, smart-formal will rarely offend. You could also call the company beforehand and ask for some guidance.
On the Day
Once you arrive do try to make an effort to get on with people around you – Depending upon your time of arrival to the assessment centre you will be in dialogue with various people... be outgoing, enthusiastic and confident, speak to them and show them you are pleased to be there and looking forward to the day ahead.. In most jobs teamwork, interpersonal skills, and the ability to get on with colleagues are critical. These are competencies that will be assessed
Listen carefully to all the instructions for various exercises – If you don’t understand something, ask... don’t suffer in silence! It is highly likely that if you are unsure someone else in the group is and you may win brownie points for taking the lead.
At the end of the assessment centre thank the centre manager for the day and tell them you thoroughly enjoyed it, this is all the more meaningful done with a smile on your face and can be the factor that makes you stand out in what is sure to be a busy day!
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