Bright Network

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 advice and 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.

Each assessment centre is different, but most will include a combination of group and individual activities. Here are some elements that might be included:

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.