The cover letter, the résumé and the job interview are studied and practiced in the Human Resources Management class. Based on an analysis of the characteristics of the students participating in this Baccalaureate (some are working adults searching to improve their economical situation by getting a degree; others are young people who still haven’t got their first job), they decided to create a didactic activity that would allow students to rehearse some things while they are still studying, so the school can help the young and not-so young ones through this difficult process.

Early stage

Three work groups are organized: Human Resources, Applicants and Observers. Human Resources publishes ads in the boards, asking for applicants for different jobs. In general, they are usually looking for people with a management and business profile.

The applicants reply to the ads with a cover letter and their résumé enclosed. Human Resources receives these documents, evaluates them and sets a date for the interview.

The head teacher of the class reminds the applicants of certain rules they should follow during their role-playing in the interview: clothes, speech, possible right or wrong answers for certain questions, etc. All in order to create situations that will allow the subsequent analysis. These agreements are unknown to the other groups. Also, the head teacher agrees with Human Resources on the possible questions set for the interview, as well as on the evaluation aspects and the attitude they will have to show during the role-playing.

Realization

On the day agreed for the interviews, the applicants go to the educational center dressed and prepared according to the previously established rules.

While the interviews are held, the observers take note of the significant aspects that arise from them, while analyzing the performance of interviewers and interviewees.

Evaluation

Afterwards, a debate is held about the different aspects that were observed during the presentation of the résumé or on the performance during the interview. This debate is conducted by the observers.

Job interview – Conclusions

The results, so far, have been very possitive. It is interesting to see a school that gives its students the possibility of rehearsing these situations, since many times they have to deal with them with little previous preparation.

In short, we can share the opinion of this 50 years old student: “I was as nervous as the day I applied to my first job. It’s a pity that, back then, I didn’t have the chance to undertake this experience while I still was in school.”

First of all you have to learn more about the different exercises. An Assessment Center may last 1 or 2 days, for very high position even more. Let’s have a look on the different test that are waiting for you.

1. The interview

Every Assessment Center starts with a short interview which may last up to 30 minutes. During that first interview the company wants to get a first idea of you, your skills and behaviour. Most of the questions concern your CV, your education and professional career. It’s important to be honest, open minded and keep on smiling. The first impression you give is very important – so pay attention to your body language.

2. The virtual working place

You are sitting in front of a screen, on your virtual working place and you have several daily task to do, for exemple: planning meetings, receive phone calls, manage the agenda of your boss – sometimes you have to do it under pressure with limited time – they want to know how do you react on stress, pressure and to know if you are planning a head /foresighted.

3. Group discussion

This is a group exercise. Under limited time you have to solve problems and take decisions. They look how you behave in group, do you have a team spirit? Do you discuss solutions with the others ? Do you impose your idea? Can you lead a group? Dont be to willing to compromise and show that you all your thinking and behaving is link to the solution finding process.

4. Role-playing

You may be asked to play the big boss and discuss with “your” employees. This exercise is done to know how you react on critics, how do you critic others. Do you demoralize others or do you encourage them by your comments and the way you talk to them?

5. Presentation

You will get a random topic (f.e.: How does a bicycle work?) and you have 15 minutes time to prepare your presentation. It doesn’t matter if you know exactly how a bicycle works, important is the structure of your presentation, body language and the way you express yourself. Be prepare the stress, disturbing questions and/or comments. Try to keep on smiling, it’s “just” an exercise.

6. Small exercises and the Final Discussion/Interview

Between all the above mentioned assement center tests you have a lot of time, that’s why you will get many small exercises in order to test your general knowledge or, why not, your math skills. At the end of your assessment center you have an final interview – time to get and give a feedback. Be prepared to assess your results and behaviour during the Assessment Center. Be honest, tell them which exercise you did well and which didn’t worked out well.

That has been a short introduction about Assessment Center – your future company will learn something about your skills and much more about your social competences. On Monday we will continue with an Article: Positive and negative strategies for the Assessment Center.