In the role of evaluators, recruiters assess the candidates' abilities, skills, reactions and behavior in this type of selection process. The applicant has a better chance of convincing in this type of tender recruiters about their qualities. The Assessment Centre also allows HR professionals to assess candidates more objectively, i.e. not necessarily on the basis of a first impression, as is the case with normal selection procedures.
How does the assessment center work?
Assessment center takes much longer than a regular job interview. Most often in the order of four to eight hours. Candidates are most often divided into smaller groups in which they perform individual tasks. HR professionals select tasks that examine the key characteristics for the job position offered.
The evaluator does not have to be only Personnel. The number of evaluators in the assessment center is usually proportional to the number of applicants present. Some evaluators organize the selection process, others write down, and some only observe.
As for the program of the day, prepare for the participants' own introductions, the performance of group assignments, and in some cases also for the individual interviews that may occur after completing all the group activities, so that the evaluators check each applicant separately.
What tasks can be expected in the assessment center?
The first task is usually the applicant's own introduction. Each candidate introduces himself briefly before the evaluators and the other applicants and says a few words about himself. It is possible to prepare for this part in advance. Practice a short self-presentation and try it out loud and fast. Try to be yourself as much as possible and tell only the most interesting things about yourself. There is not much time to show.
Further tasks may be different. It depends on what the personnel in the assessment center wants to test in the first place. The following may occur:
Escape from a deserted island: Group task to trace team cooperation and mindset in crisis situations. The group receives an assignment with a description of the items available to it to escape from a deserted island. How will you use the items and in what order to escape the deserted island safely?
Dismissal of employees: Your group will get a list of employees with a description of their job position, social situation and their relationship to you as a fictitious supervisor. The task is to select a certain number of employees that you are forced to dismiss due to the reduction in status in the company. The goal is to trace how you are able to assemble a team, work with information and argue.
Sorting characters from the story: Group task. The personnel officer reads a story about several people and how they behaved in a certain situation. Your task is to sort the characters from the story according to who, in your opinion, behaved most morally. Defend your choice to the evaluators.
Organization of the event: Rather, this is an individual task. You will receive an assigned indication of when, where and for what purpose you need to organize the event. Your goal is to choose the event venue, program and promotion options so that everything best suits the assignment and the chosen target group.
Construction of the bridge: Build a bridge. From geometric solids. You can also find this in the assessment center. Again, this is an individual task. The goal is to build a bridge from cubes that are not of regular shape. So don't just expect regular cubes or cubes. The bridge needs to be built from cones, needles, cylinders and tetrahedra. So it's not just about how you can put the individual bodies together, but also how you think about it.
How to prepare for the assessment center?
Each assessment center is different, therefore, in general, it is impossible to say how to prepare for it. The basis is to be yourself and not try to be the quickest and most eloquent at all costs. You never know which candidate is the most suitable candidate for the position in the eyes of HR professionals. Therefore, dress comfortably and behave naturally.
