Assessment Centers 

Traditional job descriptions are a bit out-dated. Most organizations will break down a certain  role or position into key competencies. An assessment centre is a tool to assess these competencies, a behavioural appraisal (individual or in group) that advises regarding your present competencies and your future performance in a certain position. Your future employer uses the assessment centre in order to evaluate or confirm your current capabilities and competencies. An assessment usually takes a few hours or a full day. The following aspects can be part of an assessment centre:

Behavioural or competency based interview: this is an in-depth interview that focuses on identifying the required competencies. At the same time your experience, motivation and ambition are assessed. 

Psycho-technical tests: these tests are a kind of standard measurement, often called intelligence- and aptitudes tests. Most common are: verbal reasoning, numerical aptitude, administrative skills, planning, organization… Often these tests have to be completed within a limited time frame and the questions become more difficult as you progress.

Personality questionnaires: you are asked to evaluate yourself according to various questions or statements. Other tests may assess your leadership style, your motivation...

Assessment exercises: you perform a number of practical simulations that are situated in a fictitious company setting. In this setting you will be confronted with problems or situations that are relevant for your new role. Your behaviour and your competencies are evaluated by two assessors. Most commonly used assessment exercises include: planning exercises, role plays and presentations.