Assessment centre preparation guide

What is an assessment centre?

Assessment centres are the longest and most complicated phase in the selection process. An assessment centre can take anything from half a day to three days and includes a battery of complicated and unfamiliar tests that provoke tension and pressure in most people.

A typical assessment centre includes three modules:

1.          Psychometric testing

Most assessment centres include psychometric testing. In some cases, you may be asked to take the psychometric test prior to being invited to an assessment centre.

The psychometric test measures the fit between your abilities and personality and the specific position. Psychometric testing typically includes a series of tests such as abstract reasoning test, verbal reasoning test, numerical reasoning test, abstract reasoning test and a personality test.

2.          Group or individual simulation exercise

This module measures your suitability for the role based on your observed behaviour. The aim of a simulation exercise is to uncover which applicants have the most suitable personal attributes, problem-solving skills and general aptitude, and which candidates would fit best and excel within the organisation’ s structure and culture.

In the simulation exercise, you will be asked to work on an unfamiliar task and cooperate with other people in the group, whom you most likely never met before. Your behaviour during the simulation exercise will be observed by qualified Psychometric experts. read more...

3.          A personal interview

This module measures your suitability based on the information collected in a behavioural-based interview. Your responses are either recorded or noted so they can be rated and ranked against a generic scale. read more...

Read more about:

Preparation for group and individual test activities in Assessment Centres

E-trays exercises in Assessment Centres

Preparation for group discussions in Assessment Centres