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Posted on: 16/05/2012 11:05.
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What is an Assessment Centre?

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'Assessment Centres'

An Assessment Centre is not really a place…..but usually an extended, focused and objective process for selecting candidates for jobs whereby a number of candidates are brought together by an employer.

The process of selection may involve:

• A range of assessment techniques (such as interviews, psychometric testing, individual and group exercises) allowing the assessors to see you handling different situations and to give you the scope to shine in some areas even if you are not so good in others.  It therefore takes a holistic view of the whole person rather than an isolated subjective snapshot, which interviews tend to.
• Assessment on a number of competencies or skills such as leadership ability, team working / interpersonal skills, communication and problem solving.
• A number of assessors or observers – this is seen as a fairer process where the decision to appoint is based on consensus.
• Several candidates being observed together thus making the selection process more meaningful as candidates are assessed in a variety of ways as an individual or as part of a group.

Being chosen to attend an Assessment Centre means that you are a very strong candidate!  Assessment Centres are expensive to run, and only a very small proportion of applicants get through to this stage.

Probably you have already shown that you have many of the skills and qualities the employer is looking for, and now the Assessment Centre could be the last round in the recruitment procedure. You are now closer to getting that job offer!  However, organisations vary and some put the Assessment Centre in the early stages of the selection process, in which case you may have to undergo further selection (e.g. another interview) before the final decision is made.

What lies ahead at the Assessment Centre will usually stretch you, give you a new experience and provide you with the opportunity to show the selectors your strengths for the particular role. On the whole, candidates leave Assessment Centres feeling exhausted, but at the same time on a high.  They may be glad it's all over but have usually had a great time and learnt something about themselves in the process.

More on:

• How to prepare
• What to expect
• What will happen
• What types of activities am I expected to participate in
• How can I make the most of group exercises
• Evaluation and Results
• What to do after
• Further resources in Career Development Services

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