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Assessment centres
Many candidates have the impression that assessment centres are only for what is referred to as high volume recruitment, as it enables an organisation to assess multiple candidates simultaneously. This is not the case and more and more companies are using assessment centres to select senior level personnel.
Rather than just being the first stage of a recruitment process, this approach is often used as a “one stop shop”, enabling a company to see all candidates and make a decision in just one or two days. It gives employers a chance to see you operating in a number of different scenarios and is becoming more and more popular within the world of executive recruitment.
An assessment centre can be anything from a few hours to two days, including an overnight stay. What is included in the centre, varies from company to company but there are some key elements to consider:
Psychometric testing
If this was not conducted electronically prior to the commencement of the assessment centre, then it is likely you will be asked to complete aptitude and personality questionnaires.
Interview
This may or may not be included in the centre and depends on whether the company has taken the “one stop shop” approach.
Group exercises
These are designed to see how you interact and communicate within a team environment. You may be given a certain topic to discuss or problem to solve within the group or may be given a specific business scenario to “act out”. You will be assessed on your ability to listen, influence and negotiate as well as whether you are leader or follower; a facilitator or an aggressor.
In-tray
These are usually individual exercises but can occasionally be conducted within a group setting. You will receive an in-tray which will contain formal documents, memos, notes from colleagues and statistical reports. You may be asked to prioritise these and explain the reasoning being your decisions. You may also be assessed on the notes you take concerning future action required on each item.
Presentations
The more senior the position, the more likely you will asked to deliver a presentation, either to your fellow candidates or to a panel of interviewers. Some companies will provide the title in advance (including informing you of how long the presentation must be) and you can therefore prepare a PowerPoint or flip chart presentation. However in some cases, you will receive the title on the day and will be given appropriate preparation time.
Informal assessment
You must remember that you are being assessed from the moment you arrive. Some companies may invite all candidates to lunch, giving you an opportunity to talk more informally with the assessors and ask any questions about the organisation. Other companies, who include an overnight stay, may invite you to a meal or the local pub. It is crucial that you remember that the assessor is watching your every move and in this instance may be assessing your professionalism within an informal setting or your ability to entertain clients.