An Assessment Centre is a multi-method approach to selection whereby a candidate will complete a number of different assessments that are specifically designed to assess the key competencies for the role for which they are applying. Based on the selected competencies, the Assessment Centre provides a clear understanding of the candidate’s strengths or developmental needs and evaluates their potential.
A Development Centre is similar to an assessment centre, but focuses more on the participants’ further professional development. The competency profile for the assessment or development centre is determined according to the needs of the role. This profile forms the basis of evaluating the participant’s performance on each of the different exercises completed. It is tailored to the organisation and/or the specific function and reflects the organisation’s expectations for the role.
A candidate’s/participant’s results are compared to a norm group rather than directly to another candidate/participant. In providing feedback, we keep in mind the client’s expectations and pay attention to the kind of behaviour the organisation is looking for.
The schedule will be communicated in a specific invitation letter. The detailed plan for the day will be presented to you at the beginning of the session. It will consist of different exercises/tests and you will be offered breaks throughout the day which will depend on the length of the session at the assessment centre or development centre.
All results will be gathered and written in a final report that is sent to your (potential) employer and verbal feedback will also be provided.
If you are attending an Assessment Centre for selection, the report is considered in addition to the information the organisation already has from the earlier stages in the selection process, and all the information will be put together and used to make a final decision.
It goes without saying that you have the right to get feedback after the Assessment / Development Centre. On the day of your Assessment / Development Centre Hudson will provide you with further information on how you can go about accessing your results and gaining your feedback.
This feedback will give you insight on your strengths and areas for improvement and therefore will be vital for your professional and personal growth.
From the moment the report is sent to the client, the organisation involved becomes the owner of the document and can choose to use the report as a starting point for further training and development initiatives.
Using an Assessment Centre will improve your chances of selecting candidates who will be high performing, long-serving employees. There are many other benefits to be gained by adopting an objective, robust, multifaceted approach to assessing competencies, potential and ‘fit’ of all applicants for a position.
A Hudson Assessment Centre will allow you to concentrate efforts where the likelihood of hiring the right fit is greatest, making for a more intelligent use of time and money. The term refers to the use of a range of assessment activities to obtain an objective, well-rounded evaluation of one or more candidates’ ability and motivation to perform in a role. Using an Assessment Centre also helps align company goals and values.
A Hudson Assessment Centre uses behavioural and psychometric assessment tools that apply to every level of an organisation. Specific exercises might include:
