Tips to pass an assessment centre

The term assessment centre is derived from the fact that these extended assessments are usually conducted in a single centre or location. An assessment centre can be at the office of the recruiting organization or a third-party venue. Assessment centres may vary in structure, but their core purpose is to create an environment in which you, and sometimes together with other candidates, demonstrate key workplace skills. The Recruiters use assessment centres to find out how candidates perform in various situations, which are often based on real work-based scenarios. By analyzing the skills and abilities of potential employees, recruiters try to determine if the candidates are suited for a role within the particular organization. Assessment centres are frequently used by large employers who want to hire a relatively large number of people.

Candidates may be subjected to a pre-screening before being invited to participate in the assessment centre. These exercises are designed to make an in-depth analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the candidates and other skills they might possess. 

Different Tests Involved in an Assessment Center:

Group Exercises

Candidates may be tested for their ability to work together with their peers to determine how well they perform as team player.

Interviews

Interviews are usually used to analyze the interviewee and assess their skills, capabilities, experience and career goals using direct questioning.

In-tray and E-tray Exercises

These exercises assign the candidates tasks that may involve paperwork or online work and should be completed within the stipulated deadline and based on priority. These determine the time management and prioritizing abilities of the participants.

Presentation Exercises

The communication and persuasion skills of candidates are put to the test by assigning them topics on which they should gather information and give a presentation.

Psychometric Tests

These tests are usually used to assess the logical, numerical and verbal capabilities of the interviewees.

Tips to Pass an Assessment Center

The candidates may take note of a few tips and strategies that can help them master the assessment centre.

Research the Company’s Background

Knowing about the company whose assessment centre a candidate is about to attend, usually helps to indicate what the company does, its objectives, its products and services, and the direction in which the company is headed. This can help the candidate evaluate their goals and find out how they are co-aligned to those of the company. They may also make queries to the interviewers if possible to establish the fact that they have a comprehensive knowledge of the same. Candidates who know about the job position generally have a higher chance of passing the assessment centre.

Be Knowledgeable of the Job Profile

Researching the job position that a candidate has applied for may help make them aware of what skills and abilities are required. With this knowledge, they may analyze their strengths and weaknesses to determine why they are the best fit for the job. Background research usually makes a candidate aware of multiple areas regarding which questions might be posed, thus helping them prepare their answers.

Dress to Impress

Clothes may not reflect an individual’s abilities, but they may be the foundation of the impression they will leave on the interviewers. To make a favourable first impression, the candidate should dress appropriately.

Carry the Necessary Documents

Resume and other required documents should be placed in an organized file and carried along with other stationery, including a calculator, pen, and paper. Calling the company office and asking for the documents and identifications that may be needed at the assessment centre may be beneficial for the candidate.

Be Punctual

The candidate should be punctual and reach the venue of the assessment centre on time. If the venue is far away from the candidate’s location, appropriate arrangements should be made by them.

Practice for the Probable Tests Beforehand

The age-old saying of “practice makes perfect” seems true for the assessment centres as well. An individual should be well-informed of the probable tests that might be conducted at the assessment centre and should prepare and rehearse for the same beforehand. They should gain knowledge of the concerned areas and should take notes and practice questions related to them.

While participating in these tests, the candidate can consider a few factors to help them ace these exercises and interviews.

• Take Initiative: In activities such as group and role-play exercises, the candidate should take initiative, encourage others to participate and try to guide the proceedings to exhibit their leadership qualities to leave a favourable impression on the assessors.
• Ask Questions: While being interviewed, the interviewee should not hesitate to ask questions to the interviewers or assessors. This will point out the fact that the candidate has done background research regarding the company and job, and is prepared for the interview.
• Be Considerate of Time Limits: Timed exercises and tests should be completed within the stipulated duration without rushing through them. They should be paced to give the best performance while efficiently using the allotted time.
• Quality over Quantity: In tasks that test the knowledge of the candidate, such as presentation exercises, the content reflected in the same should focus on the quality instead of cramming needless details. It should be to the point and concise.
• Communicate Loud and Clear: The pitch of the voice should be loud and clear to ensure effective communication and give off an aura of confidence. Expressions and gestures should be used to convey a message effectively.
• Maintain Good Body Language: Body language usually has an important role to play while appearing in an assessment centre. Eye contact should also be made and the pose should reflect confidence and calmness.
• Behave Well: Passing the assessment centre is not just about the abilities of the candidate, but their behaviour towards the management and the peers may also factor in the same. They should be polite, courteous, thankful and always be smiling. These tips may help an individual ace the assessment centre without any issues.

How can Assessment-Training.com help you ace your job interview, assessment and aptitude test?

Assessment-Training.com is your number 1 online practise aptitude test and assessment provider. We aim to help you ace your assessment by providing you with practise aptitude tests that mimic the tests used by employers and recruiters. Our test developers had years of experience in the field of occupational psychology and developed the most realistic and accurate practice tests available online. Our practise platform uses leading-edge technology and provides you feedback on your scores in form of test history, progress and performance to your norm group.

The Assessment-Training.com data science team found that candidates increased their scoring accuracy through practice and went into their assessments more confident. Remember, you need to practice to make sure you familiarize yourself with the test formats, work on your accuracy and experience performing under time pressure.