The assessment centre is usually one of the last steps in a job application process, but also one of the most difficult. Our members often say it's the part they find most challenging – but also the most enjoyable.
If the thought of an assessment centre fills you with dread, don’t worry. Bright Network has you covered with assessment centre adviceand insights, from what employers are looking for to how to demonstrate your commercial awareness.
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What is an assessment centre?
An assessment centre is a popular evaluation method used as part of the recruitment process for a graduate scheme or programme.
Its purpose is for employers to analyse potential candidates in a real-world environment. You won't just be talking about your skills, you'll be demonstrating them in real scenarios.
Unlike a traditional interview, an assessment centre uses a range of activities to compare a group of candidates. These can include presentations, role-playing, case studies or psychometric tests.
Assessment centres are an opportunity to show off your skills in action and demonstrate key values that the employer may be looking for.
What to expect at an assessment centre
Each assessment centre is different, but most will include a combination of group and individual activities. Here are some elements that might be included:
Interviews
Not every Assessment Centre includes interviews, but you should be prepared just in case. Bear in mind that some interviews might be in a group setting, too.
Not sure where to start with interview prep? It’s always a good idea to read advice on the potential questions you may be faced with.
For more interview tips, read our bright advice on how to tackle phone, face-to-face and video interviews.
Tests
You could be presented with various tests at an assessment centre, from case studies to psychometric or E-tray exercises. Find out more about different types of testing and how to prepare for them.
Presentations
Whether or not you come across presentations at your assessment centre will depend on what you’ve applied for, but employers often use them as a tool to assess your communication and analytical skills.
Networking
Assessment centres usually include some kind of networking element – whether it's a meal, break or group ice-breaker. Be prepared to get to know your peers and the employers, and have some smart questions at the ready.
To be able to thrive in team working activities or to know what to do if you’re faced with a networking event, your networking skills must be up to scratch. Here's some of our bright advice for networking:
How to tackle the assessment centre
As you’ll be assessed against other candidates on the day, you’ve got to make sure you appear in control, confident and calm with whatever comes your way.
Try to move the ‘what ifs’ to the back of your mind and focus on the task at hand and what the recruiters are looking for. The idea is not to be unkind or rude to your competition, but the opposite – smile and get to know others. It'll show you're a collaborative team member.
Learn more about what to expect from assessment centres.
FAQs
You'll have the freedom and unlimited potential to put your hand up, get involved & be creative. We trust everyone in the team to do what's right for the business, our members and our clients, and will give you the autonomy to make that happen.
What is the star technique on the Bright Network? ›
', 'detail a time when you have worked successfully in a team? ' or 'detail a time when you have successfully undertaken a leadership role', the STAR (situation – task – action – result) approach to answering questions could be worth bearing in mind.
How to answer graduate trainee interview questions? ›
To prepare, fresh graduates should reflect on their experiences, identify relevant skills, and practice telling structured and concise stories highlighting their actions, challenges, and positive outcomes. By preparing specific examples, fresh grads can feel more confident and articulate during the interview process.
How to answer why you want this job? ›
Talk about specific examples of how you can help this company achieve their goals and highlight any relevant transferrable skills that will make you stand out as the right candidate. Write down any recent achievements you can talk about or any challenges you've faced recently that might be related to this new job.
Why are you interested in the job sample answers? ›
Example answers related to why you want the job:
“This role is an excellent fit for my skills and experience. I am confident that I have the necessary technical skills and knowledge required for the role, and I'm excited about the opportunity to take on new challenges and responsibilities.”
How do you answer the STAR method? ›
The STAR method is a structured manner of responding to a behavioral-based interview question by discussing the specific situation, task, action, and result of the situation you are describing.
How would you make yourself stand out as a trainee answer? ›
Discuss what you are good at, what you can bring and focus on positives. Talking yourself up can be difficult, but employers are looking for more than just skills. So, it's time to have some confidence and talk about why you are the perfect candidate.
What should I answer if I have no experience? ›
If you're asked a question about prior experience regarding something you've never done, the best way to answer isn't to say, “No, I've never done that.” Or, “No, I don't have experience in that area.” The best way to handle the question is to say something along these lines: While I have not had any direct experience ...
How to answer tell me about yourself? ›
The best way to answer "Tell me about yourself" is with a brief highlight-summary of your experience, your education, the value you bring to an employer, and the reason you're looking forward to learning more about this next job and the opportunity to work with them.
Why should we hire you? ›
Q1: How do I answer the question, "Why should we hire you? A: When answering, focus on your relevant skills, experience, and achievements that make you the best fit for the role.You should hire me because I am a hard worker who wants to help your company succeed.
Use the STAR interview technique to structure your answer: describe the situation, task, action and result. Get to know your professional self better. Seek feedback from trusted colleagues on your best skills and attitudes. Pre-prepare short stories for the top 10 common competency-based questions.
Why do you want to join the network? ›
By networking with other people, professionals will notice you and see your talents and capabilities. When people start to notice you, new opportunities will open for you. Meeting people who are higher-level than you could serve as a stepping stone in your career.
Why do you want to recruit on your network? ›
Gives organisations access to higher-quality candidates
Networking gives recruiters access to a larger candidate pool, which improves their chances of finding a high-quality candidate. It also allows them to target specific audiences and hire people suited to the company's culture.
Why do you want to work in network security? ›
Network security is a field that offers the potential for strong professional growth and financial compensation. Effective network security can protect companies against potential digital threats, which can save them a lot of money and help maintain their reputation.
Why do you want to work here? ›
The best way to prepare for this question is to learn about the products, services, mission, and workplace culture of the company. Try to mention the aspects of the company that align with your values and how this role really fits in with your career goals.
