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Assessment centres: what happens and how to prepare
The last big round before an offer, in person or online. Here is what the exercises are, what assessors tend to score, and how to rehearse each one with Pip.
The usual exercises
| Exercise | What it is | What assessors tend to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Group exercise | A task or discussion with other candidates while assessors watch. | Bringing people in, building on ideas and moving the group to a decision. Talking most does not win. |
| Case study | A pack of information to read, then a recommendation in writing or out loud. | A clear view, reasons, and being honest about what you do not know. |
| Presentation | Prepared in advance or on the day, usually with questions afterwards. | One clear message, keeping to time, and staying calm under questions. |
| Written or in-tray exercise | Emails and tasks to prioritise and respond to under time pressure. | Sensible priorities and short, clear writing. |
| Interview | One or more, often with a senior person. | The same things as earlier rounds, with more follow-up questions. |
Not every employer uses all of these. The invitation usually says what to expect, so read it closely.
Before the day
- Reread your application. Interviewers may have it in front of them.
- Prepare your examples and your questions for them.
- Read a few recent stories about the employer and its sector.
- Practise a presentation out loud, against a clock, at least twice.
On the day
- Assume you are being watched in every exercise, and treat other candidates as colleagues.
- One poor exercise rarely decides it. Leave it behind and start the next one fresh.
- In a group task, someone needs to watch the time and sum up. That can be you.
Practise it with Pip
Ask Pip to run a case study, play a difficult group member or question you on a presentation. Tell it the role and the country and it will set the exercise, then mark how you handled it.
Questions
How many people get an offer?
It varies by employer and year, and most do not publish it. Assessors usually score you against set criteria, so the other candidates are not always your competition.
Are online assessment centres different?
The exercises are similar. Check your connection and setup the day before, and speak up a little earlier in group exercises, because people talk over each other on calls.
What should I wear?
Follow what the employer tells you. If it says nothing, smart business wear is the safe choice, and being comfortable counts over a long day.
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