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Hints and Tips

Applying for a role is always easier if you're well prepared. Get informed about our recruitment process, find out how to make the most of your CV/resume and learn some interview preparation techniques.

  1. The Recruitment Process
  2. Applying
  3. Interviews
  4. Assessment Centres

For some of our roles, assessment centres are part of the selection process. These are usually at the final stage and are tailored to reflect the qualities needed to be successful in the role you have applied for.

What is an assessment centre?

It involves a number of candidates coming together at a location and experiencing a range of exercises. It usually lasts a day but can range from half a day to two days, depending on the nature and seniority of the role you have applied for.

You'll be observed by a number of different assessors. It's important to remember that we're not assessing the performance of the group but you as an individual and how you perform individually.

Why do we use them?

Assessment centres are one of the most robust and effective ways to find out if someone is a good fit for a role. They also give you a better sense of what is involved in the role you have applied for.

We use them because making the right selection decision is really important to us. It's a chance for us to see how you behave in a range of realistic work-based situations.

What's in it for you?

As with our other selection methods, it's helpful for you to view the assessment centre as a two way process. You will have the chance to:

  • Experience a range of activities that tell you more about our business and what we value in our employees
  • Decide whether the role you are applying for is right for you
  • Demonstrate the full range of your skills and personal qualities and why you are a good fit for the role
  • Be observed by more than one person, making the overall process fairer to you

What happens at an assessment centre?

You will probably be involved in a range of exercises. These may include:

  • interviews
  • group discussions
  • presentations
  • role plays
  • business case studies
  • written exercises
  • psychometric tests

Psychometric tests measure your mental abilities, such as numerical reasoning skills. They also include personality or personal style questionnaires which give us insight into your preferences and ways of doing things.

Support and information

We'll tell you what to expect from your event and what we measure as part of your joining instructions. The exercises should reflect the typical demands of the role you are being assessed for.

How to prepare for an assessment centre

We want to make sure that we are a good fit for each other. Assessment centres give us the opportunity to get a realistic picture of who you are and how you are likely to behave at work. So the most important tip on preparation is to be yourself!

Most exercises will include preparation time on the day. However, for some you may need to complete work in advance of the event and this will be sent out to you where appropriate.

If we have told you that psychometric tests are involved e.g. numerical reasoning tests, you can refresh yourself on how to complete basic calculations such as percentages. There are also lots of practice tests available online, so you become more familiar with the format that the test is likely to take.

If you do come along to one of our assessment centres, we'd like to wish you good luck.