Many employers now run extended selection exercises as part of their recruitment process and these are often run as an assessment centre. Traditionally, they have formed the second stage in the process, but selection exercises are becoming more common at the first interview stage. Employers invest a great deal of time and effort in running assessment centres because they believe that they result in recruiting the best candidate. Assessment Centres are one of the most reliable indicators of future job performance.

Typically you will join a small group of other candidates and undertake a series of assessment exercises designed to show the selectors whether or not you possess most of the personal and technical skills necessary. The programme can be intensive and you may be required to stay overnight.

A typical programme of events may look like this:

Day one

5.00pm Arrive at Hotel /Registration
6.30pm Meet for Drinks in the Bar with Employer Representatives
7.30pm Dinner with Employer Representatives
9.00pm Company Presentation

Day two

8.00am Breakfast
9.00am Aptitude Tests and Personality Questionnaires<
10.30am Group Exercises
12.30pm Lunch
1.30pm More Group Exercises
2.30pm Individual Presentations
3.30pm Panel Interview
4.30pm Evaluation/Tea and Depart

The above shows you a range of different elements that you would find on a typical assessment centre. However this will obviously vary from company to company. Employers will normally send you more detailed information about what you can expect on their assessment centre.

>>How might you be assessed?