This article will provide an overview of the assessment centre process and will explain how you can access further support and guidance.

Assessment centres are selection days used by employers to enable them to assess the skills and competencies you are able to offer. The process is designed to be objective and fair, as all candidates go through exactly the same process.

The Careers and Employability Service is here to help you with all aspects of applying for jobs including advising you on interviews, assessment centres and psychometric tests.

 

What activities might be included?

Group exercise – designed to assess interpersonal skills such as teamwork and leadership. Types of group exercise include:

  • Case study/scenario – The group is given information to read and is asked to make group decisions or recommend a course of action.

  • Group presentation – This could be an extension of the case study activity, or you may be asked to present on any topic.

  • Group practical task – This could be anything, even something unrelated to the job! For example, you may be asked to work as a team to build a tower or bridge out of paper

In-tray/E-tray exercise – An individual activity designed to assess decision-making skills and the ability to prioritise effectively:

  • You will be given a series of letters or emails and you will be asked to read them and decide how you would respond

Psychometric tests – These may be part of an assessment centre, although many employers will conduct tests at an earlier stage of the interview process. Some employers will use shortened tests at assessment centres to enable them to validate tests previously taken by candidates. Tests may include aptitude tests, for example verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning and abstract reasoning; and personality tests, which provide an insight into your behaviours and the way you operate.

 

How can I prepare for Assessment Centre?

Bookable one-to-one appointments with a professional careers adviser are available for tailored in-depth advice. You can either email via careers@port.ac.uk or a selection of appointments are available to book online.

 

How can I get in contact for more information and advice?

The Careers and Employability Service has a dedicated team of friendly, experienced advisers on hand to talk to you. You can find out more about the support available from the Careers and Employability Service, access a wide range of information and advice and find out how to contact us by visiting our website at www.port.ac.uk/careers

 

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