Success @ Job Assessment CentersPesewa

Presentat ions

Why employers use selection centres?

• Clear evidence of work-related behaviour• Good predictors of success in the job• Exercises can be chosen to assess specific

competencies• Use of observers

– reduce subjectivity, bias & variability– matrix decision making

• Information can be used for future individual development plan

You might encounter…

• Aptitude / personality tests• Written exercises / in tray exercises• Group / interactive exercises• Presentations to you• Presentations by you• Interviews• Social encounters (formal and informal)• Workplace tour

Aptitude tests

• Administered tests• Verbal, numerical, diagrammatic, logical

reasoning, computer aptitude etc• Test provider or company’s own• Listen carefully to instructions• Balance speed and accuracy• If you have a special need e.g. dyslexia ask• Practice sessions• Reference books for practice

Personality questionnaires

• Self report• Seek to clarify how you typically behave /react• Used to assess match to the role or fit with the

team• Honesty• Often untimed• No right/wrong answers• Feedback • Psychologists interview may feature

Interviews: one-to one and panels• Update knowledge of the industry and employer (check

websites)• Check employer criteria and clarify what the job role involves• Prepare examples which demonstrate that you have the

knowledge, experience and skills to succeed in the job.• Consider your answers to some key questions:

– Tell me about yourself?– What are your strengths ……. and weaknesses?– Why are you interested in this organisation ….. and this

particular role?• Panel interviews• Mock Interviews

Presentations

• Typically on a project or interest• Content

– timing (1 point per minute?)– appropriate to audience

• Structure– introduce, key points, summarise

• Keep visual aids simple• Get some practice!

Written exercises - 1

Designed to explore your skills of…– data analysis– planning / structuring/ time management– creativity– written communication / report-writing in -tray / creativity / report / letter / editing

Written exercises - 2

• Read the question with care• Quick analysis of the task (leave some

evidence of this)• Consider layout• Use headings• Clear, brief sentences

Group / interactive exercises

Designed to explore your skills of…– team working– consensus decision-making– interpersonal skills– personal impact– persuasion– integrity

Group / interactive exercises

• Plan quickly• Is the objective a team result or to persuade others?• Not competitive but must contribute• Use words which summarise, test understanding,

show awareness of time and explain any changes of stance

• Be aware of your body language• Don’t display prejudice• Aim towards successful completion of the task

In-tray / E-tray Exercises

• Typical scenario:– Covering for a colleague– Reviewing their in-tray– Prioritising– Deciding action on key points– Drafting reports, briefings, emails or letters in response to

selected items.– Information could be given in paper form, or on a laptop in

the form of emails and electronic documents

In-tray / E-tray Exercises

• Top tips:– Follow instructions– Read everything carefully– Prioritise your actions– Delegate when appropriate– Look for both links and clashes between items.

Remember……• Some companies will make an offer to everyone who meets

their criteria. Everyone in your group could get an offer – or nobody!

• A poor performance in one exercise may be offset by a good performance in another – never write off your chances of success.

• It’s not necessarily the person who talks loudest or who always takes the lead who succeeds – make sure you contribute and that the assessors have a chance to find out about your skills and abilities.

• Be positive! You’ve already impressed them to reach that stage and the employer will be looking for reasons to make you an offer.