Contents

About the authors

Introduction

CHAPTER 1 Assessment centres and multi-assessment events

What is an assessment centre?

What to expect – the programme

What to expect – the assessment activities

Assessing your performance

Social activities and events

Dress code

Punctuality

Advance preparation

CHAPTER 2 How to succeed in group exercises

Group exercises in the assessment process

What the assessors are looking for

Assigned, non-assigned and assumed roles

Tactical considerations

Icebreaker exercises

Professional role-players

Preparing for group discussion exercises

What assessors do not want to see

CHAPTER 3 How to make successful presentations

Planning and preparation

Structuring your presentation

Getting your presentation off to a good start

Delivering your presentation

What the assessors will be looking for

Summary

CHAPTER 4 How to excel in psychometric tests

Tests and why selectors use them

Types of psychometric test

Examples from a logical reasoning test

Examples from numerical reasoning tests

Examples from verbal usage and reasoning tests

Comprehension/critical thinking

Examples of situational judgement tests

The importance of doing well in selection tests

Practice does make a difference

Performing to the best of your ability on tests

Completing psychometric tests online

Answers to sample questions

CHAPTER 5 How to project yourself authentically through personality, motivation and emotional intelligence questionnaires

Personality

Emotional intelligence

Motivation

Summary

CHAPTER 6 How to succeed at panel interviews

Why interviews are used in the selection process

Panel interviews

Advance preparation

Common failings at interviews

The interview

Types of questions interviewers ask

Summary

CHAPTER 7 In-tray/in-box, case study and role-play exercises

In-tray/in-box exercises

Case study exercises

Role-play exercises

Summary

CHAPTER 8 Rounding off your preparation for an assessment centre

Improving your reading skills

Improving your listening skills

Preparing for an assessment centre: some final advice

Summary

CHAPTER 9 After an assessment centre: how to achieve future success

Seeking feedback from others

Self-review – evaluating your assessment centre experience

Developing a self-improvement action plan

Summary

Appendix: Auditing your skills

Further reading from Kogan Page