Assessment centres

An assessment centre involves creating circumstances that mimic the actual job to be performed and having candidates complete relevant tasks. The candidate may have to provide samples of work, participate in role plays and discussions or complete other relevant tasks. Assessors observe and rate performance and then write a report on their findings.

Although these are very useful in demonstrating the candidate’s actual ability in performing the tasks being assessed, they are not often used because of the expense and time used.

If there is a key task to be performed, a less expensive option is to use an assessment task. This might mean that candidates submit a sample written document, take away an assignment to complete, prepare a presentation, or demonstrate some other skill relevant to the job.

Further information on assessment centres is available in many textbooks on human resources management or recruitment.