An assessment centre is a combination of tasks and activities that test your suitability for the job and can be part of an application procedure. An assessment is a way to map, measure, test and evaluate your current and potential competences and qualities by way of a psychological study. To assess your suitability for the position, the employer will have established a minimal set of requirements that each candidate must meet in order to be considered.
These are intelligence tests that are designed to assess your power of reasoning and logic. They may include supplementing arithmetical sequences, linguistic analogies or sets of characters. Such tests use strict criteria such as speed and the number of correct answers to assess your skills.
Tips
These questionnaires are aimed at mapping your behaviour, both in general and in workplace settings. You cannot practise this type of test. There are no right or wrong answers. You may be asked to give your opinion on a statement or to pick an option that most applies to your personality. The questions will be related to personality traits such as extraversion, dominance, flexibility, assertiveness and stability. The psychologist compiles a recommendation based on your results and discusses it with you afterwards.
Tips
Practise:
If you are unclear about elements of the assessment report, do not hesitate to ask for clarification. Have the vacancy on hand to compare and ask the assessor how you performed per task and target area and where your strengths and weaknesses lie. The assessor will be able to give you useful feedback.
Solid preparation for any assessment or aptitude test is half the battle! You can practise sample tests in your own language on the EU website.