An assessment centre is a process where several candidates (usually 8 to 12) rotate through a number of assessment activities in one session (e.g. interview, written activity, group activity). The process can be run in-house by agencies or by engaging recruitment consultants.
Assessment centre processes are structured in their design, application and procedures and should be facilitated by trained assessors who help ensure objectivity and consistency in the process.
Assessment centres are used after the initial pre-screening stage.
The assessment centre approach is useful for high volume recruitment campaigns, to facilitate the establishment of talent pools or where there are a large number of candidates.
A typical assessment centre incorporates a range of structured assessment activities where a candidate’s performance is observed and rated by several assessors. This approach also allows for multiple capabilities to be assessed using different methods.
Recruitment and selection guide
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Navigating Recruitment
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Filling a role
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Planning a recruitment and selection approach
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Assessment centre fact sheet
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Setting the assessment standards and rating approach
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Designing the assessment process
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Descriptive rating scales
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Examples of assessment components for different roles
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Examples of a multi stage assessment
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Designing the application form
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Choosing assessors
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Selecting fit for purpose assessments
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Predictive validity of assessment methods
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Interviews
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Work sample exercises
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Psychometric assessments
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Designing work sample exercises
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Deciding the recruitment and selection approach
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Writing behavioural interview questions
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Example 1
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Matrix for capability based assessments
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Example 2
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Capabilities commonly assessed using work samples exercises
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NSW Government talent acquisition scheme
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Matrix for capabilities commonly assessed using work sample exercises
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Attracting candidates
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Assess candidates
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Conduct pre screening
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Administering and scoring assessments
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Consolidating results and making selection decisions
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Reviewing the resume and application
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Developing a shortlist
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Example of a candidate’s consolidated results (all capabilities assessed)
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Example of a candidate’s consolidated results (focus capabilities assessed)
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Administering and scoring psychometric assessments
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Practical guide to interviewing
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Administering and scoring work sample exercises
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Deciding and appointing
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Onboarding a new employee
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Glossary
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About recruitment legal requirements