Presentation on preparing for assessment centres in the public sector, from Think Ahead

1. Assessment Centre success:
How to prepare for the public
sector recruitment process
1

2. 2
What is an assessment centre?
• An assessment centre is…
an opportunity for the employer to see what you can do rather than to hear what you can do
• Features of a good assessment centre…
Focuses on doing rather than talking
Simulates tasks and situations in target jobs
Ensures multiple opportunities to observe participants
Provides an opportunity for candidate feedback post assessment centre
Provides the candidate with a better insight into the job and culture of the organisation

3. 3
What do assessment centres
involve?

4. 4
What competencies could be
tested?
Leadership
Adaptability
Motivation
Relationship building
Problem solving
Self-awareness
Communication
Think of an example of a time that you have managed a team. Explain a
specific decision you had to make and what the outcomes of this decision
were.
Give an example of a time you had to deal with a challenging colleague or
situation at work. What steps did you put in place to resolve the issue?
Describe a difficult situation where you have had to change your approach in
order to achieve your goals.
Why do you feel ‘drive’ and ‘commitment’ are significant qualities to possess?
Strong connections are essential for an effective team. Provide an example of
a time you demonstrated good social skills with a colleague.
Reflecting on your core competencies, what do you feel is your greatest
strength and why?
Explain as succinctly as possible why you feel this job is important within
larger society.

5. Interview technique
Describe a difficult situation where you have had to
change your approach in order to achieve your goals.
What could be improved in the first interview?
• Not answering the question
• Poor body language
• Badly-timed answer
• …?

6. Group interview
Lost at Sea…
• Read the information for 2 minutes
• You will then have 5 minutes to complete the task

7. 7
What is Think Ahead?
• Two fast-track grad scheme in mental health social
work
• Full salary
• Fully funded masters degree
• Leadership training
It was the opportunity to be out
on the frontline helping people
that really sold Think Ahead.
Jack, studied History at Warwick
I want to make a difference
and do something meaningful.
Aisha, studied English Literature
at Queen Mary London

8. 8
Next steps
Find out more and apply:
 Visit thinkahead.org
Get in touch with me:
 t.bucher@thinkahead.org