How many people attend assessment centres

These can be individual or in groups. How to crack a consulting case study interview. A group exercise can take the form of a case study see above but they can also be completely non-business related. Group exercises can be used just to test how you work together with others to see if you have the necessary team-work and leadership skills they are looking for.

For example, you may be asked to build something out of supplied materials, faced with a hypothetical survival situation, or posed with a completely different sector and business question.

The best way to impress in these situations is to be flexible, enthusiastic and take the lead when appropriate. Speak clearly, listen to others and be wary of not just the dominant people in the group but the shy ones too.

Above all, make sure you remain focused on the objective at hand and keep your team focused on it too.

Here's top tips on how to succeed in group exercises at assessment centres. You might be sent information ahead of the day to prepare your presentation. If this is the case, make sure you read the instructions very carefully so that you follow the presentation guidelines. Click here for the ulimate guide to public speaking.

Finally, be prepared to have a social event tied into the day. You are being assessed from the minute you arrive on site so make sure you do everything you can to make a good impression.

Be enthusiastic, polite and do your best to help others engage in conversations too. Prepare intelligent questions to ask representatives from the organisation should you be thrown into a social situation. Assessment centres can be scary.

If you want to get prepared for the day and learn how to succeed, take the Bright Network Academy module on 'How to succeed at Assessment centres'. What to expect from an assessment centre Assessment Centres are a staple of most graduate recruitment processes. Interviews Not every Assessment Centre has them but you should be prepared for both biographical and technical ones. Tests Inevitably you will have to do a test at your Assessment Centre.

Practice is the key to successful participation in assessment centres. If you have never participated in an assessment centre, read our guides to the various tests involved. Those contain plenty of materials for you to get started with, such as exercises, tips and information about what to expect. SSL secure payment. By using our website you agree with our Cookie Policy. Claim discount. Assessment Centres — An Insider's Guide.

Buy tests Free test. What is an assessment centre? The typical structure of an assessment centre The specific activities included in an assessment centre are dictated by the nature of the role to be filled, plus the knowledge, traits and skills expected of the successful candidate. Psychometric testing The psychometric tests used might include numerical , logical and verbal reasoning , and personality questionnaires.

Group Exercises Group exercises show the assessor how effectively candidates can communicate and work as part of a team. Written Exercises Where the job role in question requires a high level of written communication skills, candidates may be asked to take part in a writing exercise. Presentations Assessment centre presentations are often focused around the candidates themselves. Case Studies A case study is an opportunity for the employer to see how well candidates perform in a work situation.

Role Plays Role plays are popular when recruiting for customer-facing roles that require a level of quick thinking and diplomacy. In-Tray Tests An in-tray exercise tests your ability to organise and prioritise workload and focus on the task in hand. An example assessment day schedule You will be sent details of the assessment centre event with your invitation.

An assessment centre gives the candidates the opportunity to demonstrate the following competencies: Communication skills — be confident and open, using both verbal and non-verbal communication with your peers. Being personable — be friendly, polite and approachable. Teamwork — employers want someone who can contribute confidently and fairly.

Problem solving — all roles have some element of problem solving, and the employer will want an idea of how you approach scenarios in work situations. Influencing — articulate your ideas clearly and persuasively to influence peers to support your ideas. Creativity — creative thinking among employees can drive a company forward, so use any opportunity to show that you can approach situations from new angles. Negotiation — a group challenge is a good opportunity to show your skills of negotiation as you and your peers work out how to combine ideas for the best result.

Time management — timed tasks simulate the pressures of the workplace, so stay calm and focused to complete tasks in the specified time frames. Planning — approach every task methodically. Effective planning can make the difference between the success or failure of a task.

Organisation — an in-tray exercise is the ideal opportunity to demonstrate solid organisation skills, which are highly regarded in any workplace. Analytical thinking — practice analytical reasoning tests before your assessment centre to help refine this skill.

Customer service skills — the employer will be looking for calm and professional behaviour throughout the day. Candidates who are seen to be hot-headed or impatient will be considered too risky for stressful customer-facing roles.

How best to prepare for an assessment centre The more prepared you are, the higher the chance of success on the day of your assessment centre. How to pass an assessment centre Follow these suggestions on the day of the assessment centre to give yourself the best chance of success: Dress appropriately Choose your outfit the night before, making sure you look smart and professional. Be confident Now is not the time for shyness.

Be flexible Your assessors may decide to add in an extra activity on the day to test how well you can adapt to changing situations. Revisit your previous interview experiences The assessment day will build upon previous skills you were asked about in the early interview stages. Take the opportunity to network Use the downtime of refreshment and lunch breaks to introduce yourself to people, make connections and show a genuine interest in the people around you.

Start your success story. How are assessment centres scored? How long are assessment centres? How many people attend assessment centres? What happens after an assessment centre? How to introduce yourself at an assessment centre The way you introduce yourself can make a lasting impression. What do assessment centres measure? What to ask at assessment centres? What to wear to assessment centres? Soft skills include; communication, teamwork, negotiation, persuasion, listening, initiative, problem-solving, creativity, time management, leadership, interpersonal ability and work ethic.

To ensure you showcase your skills to their full potential, make sure you have a voice. Put your point forward. At the same time, listen. Listening is just as important.

If someone does not agree with what you are saying, advise you can see their point of view but tactfully state why you disagree. Again, people who are aggressive will not be favoured. Aggressive people can negatively disrupt the workplace culture. If you want to show leadership skills, ask those who have not contributed to get involved.

If you are timed on a task, make sure you keep to time. The company will be looking to see how you interact with them and others in a more social setting. Instead of going off to check the latest WhatsApp message, get involved with conversations around you. This is also your opportunity to make a bigger impression. Go and network with people from the company, it could be the difference between you and another candidate.

Dress to impress. Unless you are told to wear casual clothing, we always recommend going suited and booted. In other words, dress as if you were going to an interview. Relax and be yourself. The assessors do not want you to fail and will do what they can to make you feel comfortable so you can be the real you. Practice tests. If you know personality, aptitude or psychometric tests will be part of the day, practice these online beforehand so you know what to expect. Believe in yourself!

We hope that has given you a good idea on how to pass an assessment centre. If you are currently job searching, why not send us your CV and view our jobs.

You never know the next assessment centre you attend might be one of ours! Her love for writing started when she was young.