If you are being selected for a management or graduate
level position then it is a good idea to brush up on your
knowledge of current affairs and global news. The international
publication ‘The Economist’ is probably the most useful
publication to study for this purpose. It is published weekly, is
widely available and covers world & business news in an acceptable
level
of detail.
You should also read the most recent copies of any relevant
industry specific magazine or newspaper. This will enable you to
discuss any topical issues that crop up in the panel interview or
over lunch or coffee, as these ‘social’ events often form part of
the agenda. You may feel that this level of preparation is 'over
the top'. If so, then try to imagine yourself engaged in a
discussion where you don't have the faintest idea what the other
participants are talking about, and knowing that the assessors are
listening critically to your contribution. At the very least, this
kind of experience will undermine your confidence and cause you to
under perform, even on exercises that you have prepared for.
While the
assessment centre process is intensive and commonly
viewed as stressful, it does provides additional opportunities for
you, if you feel that you are not able to demonstrate your
abilities fully during an interview. The process also enables you
to obtain a first-hand idea of what the employer expects, and will
provide opportunities for you to interact with other participants
during group exercises.
Many candidates underachieve on the day as they are unsure of what
to expect. At the very least you need to have good background
knowledge of the sector, the organization and its products and
services. Creating the right impression when everyone else is
attempting to do the same can be difficult. Just remember that the
observers are usually looking for candidates who show evidence of
being team players and who fully commit to the tasks they are set.
You can't afford to appear too introverted, but you must avoid
interrupting others or taking over the discussion. Also, don't try
to outmaneuver other candidates or dismiss opposing points of view
in a negative or aggressive way.
Some exercises involve candidates taking turns as group leader or
chairperson. Try to express your own views clearly and concisely
and make an effort to encourage participation from quieter
candidates. Be adaptable in your thinking and recognize other
candidates' good ideas but remember that talking people round to
your point of view will demonstrate good communication skills
provided that it is done in a positive and inclusive way. Above
all, remain positive, team oriented and focused on the task.
References:
Byham, W.C. (1997). Landing the Job You Want - How to have the
best Job Interview of Your Life, Pennsylvania, USA, DDI Press
Smith, A.K. (2006). How to Succeed at an Assessment centre,
Warwick University, UK
Landy, F.J. (1989), Psychology of Work Behavior, 4th edition,
California, USA, Brooks/Cole Publishers
Newton, T.J. (1994), Discourse and Agency: The Example of
Personnel Psychology and 'Assessment centres', Organization
Studies.
Robertson, I, Gratton, L, Sharpley, D (1987). The Psychometric
properties and design of managerial assessment centres: Dimensions
into exercises won't go. Journal of Occupational Psychology.
Woodruffe, C. (1990), Assessment centres: identifying and
developing competence, London, Great Britain, Institute of
Personnel Management.
Everything you need to pass
psychometric tests
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