Who uses them and why?

Usually only larger organisations use Assessment Centres, since they are time consuming, labour intensive and can be costly. However, research indicates that they are one of the most reliable methods of selection because:

• they are standardised: every candidate has the same opportunity to demonstrate their skills
• they are objective: there is more than one method of assessment and more then one assessor, decreasing bias.
• candidates can demonstrate a range of abilities in a variety of situations.
• activities can be tailored to suit the position, for example, if the role is client facing with the expectation that you will be making numerous presentations, the Assessment Centre can be designed to include a presentation activity.