Assessment centres

Graduate recruiters often use selection tests as part of the recruitment process – typically online during the early stages of selection. These include aptitude tests, psychometric tests, and reasoning tests – all different terms for the same sort of thing.  You may be expected to re-test during the assessment centre.

Visit our Selection tests webpage for tips on the preparation you should do and the ways you can practise:

Selection tests

This usually involves working with other candidates to complete a task in a specific time-frame; it might be a group discussion or a problem based task. The aim is to work effectively together, finding a solution built on collaboration and consensus. 

Top tips

• Take every opportunity before the assessed exercises – and during breaks – to get to know your fellow candidates. You are not in direct competition with them.
• Remember to work with everyone, not against them. All of you could be recruited, or equally none of you.
• Try to engage with the process early on and don’t leave it too late to voice ideas.
• Be confident enough to argue your case and defend your point but avoid dominating the process. Try to find compromises and common ground.
• Encourage quieter members of the group to contribute – they may need a little more encouragement to participate. Like you, they are there on merit and should have ideas to share and much to contribute.
• Pay close attention to your body language and other non-verbal communication.

Agree a method for managing the time, process and decision making. You need to be ready to share your conclusions. Techniques, such as a SWOT analysis which seeks to identify Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats involved in a project or organisation are helpful if established and used consistently. Use the following:

• LinkedIn Learning - current University of Edinburgh students have free access to an extensive library of high-quality business courses. Here is an example of how to conduct a SWOT analysis: 

Conducting a SWOT analysis (University of Edinburgh login required)

• For guidance and tips on how to access and get the most out of LinkedIn Learning, visit: 

Information Services - LinkedIn Learning

In the online environment

Don’t forget to interact with group members in the online environment and take any opportunities to chat and connect. Make sure you are using your camera!

• If you naturally fulfil the role of leader, take an inclusive approach by giving everyone 1-2 minutes to explain their view. 
• Agree an etiquette e.g. using the hand-raise tool.
• Suggest somebody volunteers to take notes for the group. These can provide a useful reference point for when you make and share your conclusions.
• Pay heed to your body language and don’t be distracted by your familiar environment. Without a more formal physical setting you may become too casual.

This is your chance to show you can research and convey a message (or argument) clearly and succinctly.  

The assessors will be looking at your communication and time management, as well as body language. They may ask questions at the end of your presentation.

Top tips

• Practise, practise, practise! Deliver your presentation in front of others and get their feedback on i) content ii) clarity of message iii) style and body language.
• Don’t read verbatim – have notes and prompts, not a full script.  You need to try and sound engaging and enthusiastic.
• Be clear about the key messages that you want to get across.
• Don’t try to cover too much – focus on the salient point(s).
• Make sure you deliver and tailor content to your audience.  
• It sounds obvious but remember to breathe and pause when necessary. Be aware of your pace: we tend to speak more quickly when nervous.
• Smile: you will be surprised how much difference this can make.

This excellent article from targetjobs provides pointers on how to step into the spotlight to deliver an effective presentation: 

targetjobs - Deliver a presentation that's worthy of a graduate job

These exercises are designed to replicate an inbox full of emails. The purpose is to see how you prioritise the various tasks and differentiate between important and urgent. You will be expected to draft replies, delegate tasks and recommend actions – all within a clear time limit. Note there may be more emails than you can attend to within the set time. 

Top tips

• Read the brief and all information provided carefully.
• Bear in mind that some of the emails/tasks will be high priority and others of much lower importance.  You may also receive a particularly important communication part way through the exercise to see how you cope with change.
• Take a step back, consider what the major factors are and prioritise the tasks.  
• Factors could include: stakeholders, commercial considerations, negative PR and budgets, for example.
• Be systematic and logical in your approach.  

You can try a practice test by selecting "E-Tray Exercise": 

E-tray exercise (University of Edinburgh login required) 

Would you like more practice? The following exercises may help:

AssessmentDay - Free e-tray exercise for practise

JobTestPrep - Free in-tray exercise practise questions

A case study tends to be based around a business scenario e.g. a company facing a particular issue. Facts are presented to candidates and they are expected to proffer a solution. This can include analysing a business problem (e.g. what would be the pros and cons of introducing a ‘regular user’ scheme to reward loyal customers of an airline?) or a brainteaser (e.g. how many bottles of wine are consumed in the UK each week?). 

These questions are designed to assess your ability to synthesise information, alongside your problem solving skills and general suitability for the role. Clear communication is key to be successful. 

No prior knowledge is required, as you will be provided with all the background information you need. There is not necessarily a ‘right’ or definitive answer. The assessor is looking for: 

• Your ability to identify the presenting issue.
• A demonstration of how you approach problems, and your thought process e.g. what assumptions are you making; what conclusions are you drawing? 
• How you articulate and present your analysis.
• How you explain and substantiate your argument and defend your points.

You may need to ask the interviewer further questions; often certain details are withheld to see if you can determine what additional information would be helpful. See this process of asking questions as a conversation, not an interrogation. (However, this will depend on the brief; in some circumstances, no additional interaction is allowed.)

Top tips

• Look at examples of case study questions and practise until you are more familiar with the format. 

• The following guide gives a breakdown of three types of case studies, and how to approach them: 

Demystifying the case interview (University of Edinburgh login required)

For more examples, visit these employer websites:  

Bain & Company

Boston Consulting Group

McKinsey & Company

This can take many different forms, from very informal to sit down dinner. Remember: you are still being informally assessed during social activities, so remain professional at all times. Even if you are feeling tired by this point, try to engage with the process. This is another good opportunity for you to find out more about the company, its employees and cultural fit.

The interview may be at the end of the assessment centre or it may be something that you're invited to later.  

See our webpage for advice: 

Interview formats; how to prepare and practise

Escape rooms

Nationwide Building Society, for example, have introduced an online escape room as part of their graduate assessment centre. For more insight, read this article: 

The escape room assessment centre (University of Edinburgh login required)

Virtual reality (VR)

This is an artificially created environment where you’ll probably be asked to wear a VR headset that generates sights and sounds, and then expected to complete tasks. These may not bear any relation to the job itself. VR tasks are designed to test your analytical skills and tease out your strengths and specific personality traits. For more details, this article provides a great insight: 

Will your next interview be in virtual reality? (University of Edinburgh login required)

If you want to try out a free VR headset, current students can access the uCreate Makerspace at the Main Library, George Square. VR headsets are also available on loan throughout the year. For more information, visit: 

uCreate Makerspace