Different skills will be assessed depending upon the requirements of the job being recruited for. Being prepared is the biggest advantage; you should have an idea of the main skills and competencies required for the role and these will be assessed by the employer at the assessment centre.
Example: demonstrating your verbal communication skills
Exercises such as group discussion will be a place to demonstrate these skills. The Assessor will have a score sheet and will record comments and observations about your behaviour during the exercise. They may have a list of positive and negative indicators to look out for, for each skill they are assessing. To demonstrate your verbal communication you need to think about:
- Definition - communication means demonstrating the ability to express oral ideas clearly, convincingly and concisely. To articulate complex ideas in a simple and meaningful manner. To influence others through use of conviction and enthusiasm.
- Positive indicators - these are things such as speaking clearly, being confident, displaying conviction. Ensuring others understand ideas and using evidence to justify your opinion and persuade others.
- Negative indicators - these are things such as being unclear, not expressing yourself, being hesitant and lacking in enthusiasm. Failing to persuade others through not showing evidence.
As well as your skills and abilities, the employer will want to confirm that you are highly motivated to work for them in this role, and you can demonstrate this through the questions that you ask at the assessment centre:
- Think about the interviewer's point of view - if you don't ask questions at the end of an interview, what does it say about your interest in the role or the company?
- Use all opportunities to ask questions - informal or social sessions are a chance to talk to as many staff members as possible, asking them relevant, well thought out questions.
Key points:
- Applying for the job doesn't fully demonstrate your motivation - employers are not naïve; they are well aware that some graduates make a large number of applications to a wide range of employers in the hope of increasing their chances of an offer, and you need to further demonstrate your motivation at an assessment centre.
- Be prepared - prepare well thought out reasons for wishing to work in the particular sector, the particular company and the specific role.
- Don't be complacent - you may be asked about areas that have have already been covered on the application form or in your first interview. Interviewers at this stage are often senior and experienced members of staff, who will immediately recognise a poorly thought out unprepared answer.
