Preparing for an Assessment; Tips and Tools

An assessment is a reliable method for companies to evaluate or assess potential employees. The companies that use this form of applicant selection want to get a comprehensive picture of the talent available. If you would like to practice an online assessment beforehand, we recommend you use our Online Assessment Training.

Large corporations, in particular, also use assessment centers to select their junior staff. This intensive recruitment method allows several candidates to be assessed simultaneously (group assessment) and in interaction with each other. A team of HR managers and line managers test the candidates over one to two days on their ability to present themselves and communicate with others, their behavior in a team, and the way they approach problems. The candidates are under time pressure and constant observation, demonstrating their stress resistance, perseverance, and frustration tolerance.

  • Analytical and strategic thinking
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Planning and organizational skills
  • Initiative and decision-making skills
  • Teamwork and cooperation
  • Communication skills
  • Flexibility and endurance

There are many different assessment test procedures, and their use varies depending on the company and the position being filled.
Examples of test procedures:

  • Personality tests
  • Cultural fitness tests
  • Performance tests
  • Inbox / in-tray exercise
  • Roleplay
  • Group discussions
  • Presentations
  • Numeric and verbal tests
  • Case studies

An assessment center is a group assessment with several participants and observers that usually extends over several days. Depending on the type of assessment conducted, participants complete various exercises and tests, both as a group and as individuals. A typical feature of group assessments is that the observers rotate to ensure that as many assessors observe each candidate as possible.

An individual assessment has one participant and at least two assessors and usually lasts between half a day to an entire day. Group situations may also be assessed, for example, in the form of a team meeting with the roles of the other group members being played by other people.

Group and individual assessments can, therefore, basically contain the same elements.

Some companies require online assessments or more extensive assessment centers before inviting a candidate for an interview. Online assessments usually include various cognitive tests and personality or motivation questionnaires that candidates can complete online at any time. Observers are not used at this stage. If a company has many applications, it may use the online assessment as an initial selection tool.

Would you like to complete such an online assessment in advance while you are not under any pressure, so you will know what to expect? Take part in our free online assessment training:

ZHAW SML Online Assessment Training

Learn more about the company:

  • What are the company’s goals?
  • What is the company’s philosophy?
  • In what market does the company operate?
  • What are its competitors?
  • What challenges is the company facing (newspaper articles, etc.)?

Think about who you are and get feedback from those around you:

  • Who am I?
  • What do I want?
  • What can I do exceptionally well? What are my strengths and weaknesses?
  • What is my unique selling point (USP)?
  • How do I appear to others?

Career Planning

  • Arrive well-rested and dressed appropriately but comfortably.
  • Always be authentic and do not try to fool the assessors.
  • Try to get to know the other participants before the assessment starts.
  • Always be open, friendly, and proactive.
  • Be focused and committed to all tasks, but try to relax. Nobody is perfect.
  • Never allow yourself to be provoked; use factual, objective arguments.
  • You will not receive any feedback during the assessment; you will receive this later. Do not let this irritate you. Use the feedback from the assessment center to learn more from the more experienced assessors about your strengths and potential for development.
  • During discussions and team assignments, let the others finish and maintain eye contact.
  • Remember that you may also be observed during breaks and mealtimes.

Preparation is everything to succeed at an assessment center or during an assessment test. Below you will find a selection of websites with further information on possible assessment tasks and practice tests to help you prepare for the application process.

PwC Virtual Case Experience McKinsey Consulting Cases PrepLounge Cappfinity Psychometric Success

Virtual assessment centers

  • You can do the assessment anywhere and at any time.
  • Some tasks may be more manageable.
  • They tend to take just half a day.
  • You may fail to pick up hard-to-detect body language signals from your virtual counterparts.

To help you prepare for a virtual assessment as well as possible, we refer you to the online interview tips and tricks section.

Tips and tricks for online interviews

On-site assessment centers

  • You may need to travel.
  • Some tasks may be more challenging.
  • You will need to be there for one whole day or even two days.
  • Verbal and non-verbal signals can be perceived more directly, and reactions are possible more spontaneously.