Assessment centres

• Group discussions

  In a group of other candidates, you will be given a topic to discuss. Your goal is to reach a consensus and make a proposal. You may be given a briefing pack and be asked to take on a particular role.

  The assessors are looking for your contribution within the team, along with your communication and planning skills, to see if you can work with others to reach a suitable outcome.

  Candidates who do well in group discussions:

  • address others by name
  • encourage quieter group members to contribute
  • listen carefully to others
  • ensure the group completes its assigned task successfully while contributing their own ideas to the discussion. 

• Interviews

  If you have already had a first interview, this second interview will likely be more in-depth.  Your interviewer may discuss your weaker areas, including your performance in the assessment centre's tests and exercises so far.

  Treat this interview as independent from an earlier one – never assume that your interviewer is familiar with your previous answers. 

  See more interview advice or book an appointment for interview coaching. 

• Presentations

  You may be asked to give a presentation to the assessors and possibly other candidates. This could be a set topic, perhaps related to one of the other exercises, or you might be able to choose.

  You may be asked to prepare your presentation in advance, or you may have to produce it on the day. 

  Structure your presentation with a clear beginning, middle and end. It’s a good idea to illustrate your presentation with examples or stories. Be prepared to answer questions about your presentation at the end.

• Psychometric tests

  A psychometric test is a way for an employer to measure and identify your skills and personality. Many employers use psychometric tests to help work out whether you are suitable for a particular job role.

  The most-used psychometric tests are ability tests (including games-based assessments) and personality tests.

  More information and practice tests can be found on the psychometric tests page.

• Social events

  Use every opportunity to talk to recent graduates. Remember that you are always being assessed, so remain professional.

  Show interest in other people by asking questions like, "What work have you been involved in over the last six months?".

  Go prepared with a simple answer to the question "Tell me about yourself".

• Written exercises

  A typical written exercise is an in-tray (or e-tray) exercise, designed to test how you analyse complex information within a limited time. It's common, particularly in an e-tray exercise, for additional emails to arrive, requiring you to re-prioritise tasks within a short timescale. Careful management of your time is essential.