What is an assessment centre
An assessment centre is a multidimensional evaluation device over 4-8 hours (sometimes 2 days) where:
- Multiple evaluators (HR, psychologist, operational manager) observe
- Multiple exercises: tests, role-plays, interviews, presentations
- Multiple candidates (rarely) in parallel or group
- Multiple dimensions measured: technical skills, leadership, communication, stress management, cultural fit
Large Swiss structures (Confederation, UBS, Roche, Nestlé, Migros) use it systematically from a certain level.
Typical exercises
1. Psychometric tests (upstream or on-site):
- Personality test (BFI, MBTI, OPQ)
- Logical, numerical, verbal reasoning tests
- Situational tests (SJT — Situational Judgement Test)
2. In-basket / e-tray exercise:
- 30-50 emails, tasks, notes to handle in 60-90 minutes
- Measures: prioritisation, decision-making, time management
3. Business case study:
- Company economic data + strategic question
- 60-90 min preparation + 30 min presentation
- Measures: analysis, structure, quantified recommendations
4. Roleplay:
- You play a role (manager, negotiator), an assessor plays client/employee
- 15-30 min, conflict or complex situation
- Measures: leadership, listening, communication, stress management
5. In-depth behavioural interview:
- 60-90 min, STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
- Measures: key competence alignment
6. Group discussion:
- 4-8 candidates, topic to debate, 30-45 min
- Measures: collaborative leadership, listening, influence
Preparation: 3 weeks before
- Research the assessment firm used (Cebir, Aon, Kornferry, etc.)
- Ask for planned exercises if possible
- Train on psychometric tests (assessmentday.com, jobtestprep.com)
- Prepare 10 STAR examples covering: leadership, conflict resolution, failure, success, risk-taking, innovation, team, customer, deadline, transformation
- Study the company: annual reports, recent news, org chart
Preparation: 1 week before
- Sleep 8h/night the 3 previous nights
- Avoid alcohol the day before
- Prepare your outfit: sober, neutral, professional
- Visualise the day: travel, schedule, meals
- Prepare 5 smart questions to ask at end of day
D-day
- Arrive 15 min early
- Eat properly at lunch (not too heavy)
- Stay authentic: assessors detect the artificial
- Be collaborative in group exercises, without dominating
- Ask for clarifications if instructions unclear
- Keep your energy: 8h is long, hydrate, breathe
Criteria evaluated
Most common in Switzerland:
- Analytical mind: thought structure, rigour, ability to process information
- Leadership: influence, decision-making, team management
- Communication: written clarity, public speaking, active listening
- Adaptability: change management, resilience, learning
- Results orientation: focus, execution, impact measurement
- Integrity: ethics, transparency, judgement
- Cultural fit: values, style, company alignment
After the assessment
- Send a thank-you email within 24h
- Note what went well and what you would do differently
- Request a debrief: most Swiss firms offer a qualitative feedback (15-30 min) very useful for your development
A well-prepared assessment centre increases your hiring chances by 30-50%. It is a profitable personal investment.
