Get Workfit this Summer with our series of useful guides. The fourth of which focuses on assessment centres.

1. WORK FIT 2012
PART 4 - ASSESSMENT CENTRES

2. COMPETITION
MAKES US BETTER

3. WHAT ARE THEY USED FOR?
It is becoming increasingly more Why are companies choosing to use
common for companies to run assessment centres?
a series of extended selection Basically they get to see what you
procedures, including assessment can do rather than what you say
centres. They are usually part of you can do. It also provides you with
the initial selection process and the opportunity to learn about the
successful candidates progress to the company and get a taster for what the
first interview stage. position would involve.
WORK FIT 2012 - PART 4: ASSESSMENT CENTRES WWW.YOLKRECRUITMENT.COM

4. DIFFERENT TYPES OF ASSESSMENT CENTRES
Social/informal events Information sessions
Where you meet a variety of people, including Which provide more detail about the organisation
other candidates, the assessors, recent and the roles available. The information provided
graduates and senior management. It provides to you is likely to be more up-to-date than your
a great opportunity for you to find out about the own internet research.
organisation and to ask more questions. Tests and exercises
Although these events seem informal, remember Designed to reveal your potential and test you.
to remain professional and act in a positive Assessors at assessment centres measure you
manner throughout. against a set of competencies and each exercise
is designed to assess one or more of these areas.
WORK FIT 2012 - PART 4: ASSESSMENT CENTRES WWW.YOLKRECRUITMENT.COM

5. WHAT PREPARATION CAN YOU DO?
As the days vary so greatly depending on the
organisation it can be difficult to prepare for
them but the same basic rules apply as per any
interview situation.
Make sure you research the company as you will
be usually quizzed on this.
Be prepared to have to speak in front of a group
of strangers - if you don’t do this often it can
be quite difficult so try practising with friends or
family.
WORK FIT 2012 - PART 4: ASSESSMENT CENTRES WWW.YOLKRECRUITMENT.COM

6. WHAT TO DO ON THE DAY?
• Be there with plenty of time to spare and start • When presented with a group exercise getting
talking to the other candidates before the the answer correct is not as important as how
assessment starts - this will make the day a lot you conduct yourself.
easier for you. • Your level of motivation will be assessed
• Listen carefully to the instructions given to you throughout the day so ensure you remain
at the start of the day and always read the focused and on it!
information you are given thoroughly
• You are not expected to be good at every
exercise – an assessment centre gives you
the chance to show your strengths in different
work based scenarios
WORK FIT 2012 - PART 4: ASSESSMENT CENTRES WWW.YOLKRECRUITMENT.COM

7. ETIQUETTE & TIPS
• Treat the other candidates with respect, • Think outside the box - some of the
yes you are competing against each other challenges will involve you to be a little
but doesn’t give you the excuse to be rude. creative with your solutions.
• Get stuck in - they can’t assess your • Relax and be yourself - this can be difficult
abilities if you don’t show them off. when you are being constantly watched
• Don’t be afraid to disagree with others but you don’t want to come across uptight
but do in a professional and constructive and wary.
manner.
WORK FIT 2012 - PART 4: ASSESSMENT CENTRES WWW.YOLKRECRUITMENT.COM

8. Yolk Recruitment
6-7 St John Street
Cardiff CF10 1GJ
www.yolkrecruitment.com
info@yolkrecruitment.com
Download Part 1
FINDING VACANCIES
www.yolkrecruitment.com/workfit/
WORK FIT 2012 - PART 2: CV WRITING WWW.YOLKRECRUITMENT.COM