In part one and two of our placement special, we covered searching and applying for opportunities. Once you have made it through the initial part of the selection process, employers use a range of tools and methods to assess further whether you would be a good fit for the opportunity and their organisation. In the final part of our placement FAQs, we answer your questions about online tests, interviews and assessment centres.

What online tests do employers use?
This varies depending on the type of internship/placement and the individual employer, but common tests include numerical and verbal reasoning, situational judgement tests as well as personality or work style questionnaires. They sound scarier than they are, and with a bit of practice, they are nothing to worry about.

How can I prepare for online tests?
Download our psychometric test guide for some further information about the different types of test and how to prepare effectively for each. Then get practising on our Careers Zone 24/7, and also follow the links to additional practice sites in the guide.

Have recruitment methods changed due to Covid-19?
Since March 2020, many employers have adapted their assessment methods and replaced face-to-face interviews and assessment centres with remote options, such as telephone and video interviews and online assessment centres. Many have found that this made their opportunities more accessible (and less dependent on changing social distancing guidance) and have retained remote assessment methods for the 2021/22 recruitment cycle too.

How can I prepare for telephone and video interviews?
Although a telephone or video interview might feel more informal, your preparation needs to be equally thorough. Start by working through the tips and commonly-asked questions in our interview guide and use our Interview360 tool to review and practise interview questions. Check out our blog articles on preparing for telephone and video interviews for further tips and advice.

What happens in an assessment centre?
During an assessment centre, you spend between two and seven hours with other applicants and a group of assessors to complete a series of practical exercises as well as individual and group activities. Many candidates feel a little anxious about the prospect of attending an assessment centre, but it’s important to remember that you already have lots of experience of working in a team (e.g. from work, your studies and extracurricular activities) and that an assessment centre is a great opportunity to meet company representatives, ultimately helping you to decide whether a placement with them would be right for you. Researching the different types of exercises can also help you manage your nerves – our assessment centre guide and the information on our Careers Zone 24/7 platform are a great starting point. You can then also search online for feedback from previous assessment centre participants on websites like Glassdoor or student forums.

How do virtual assessment centres work?
Pretty much the same as face-to-face assessment centres, but instead of taking place on the company’s premises or a hotel/conference centre, companies use software like Zoom or MS Teams. Breakout rooms are used to split candidates up into smaller groups for team-based and individual exercises. While this might initially feel strange or unusual to you, remember that you have gained experience and confidence in virtual group work through your university studies. Participating actively in these activities during seminars and tutorials for your course will be great preparation for any group tasks during a virtual assessment centre. Our video guide to virtual assessment centres is packed full of great advice and further tips.

If you have any further questions about preparing for interviews and assessment centres, you can arrange a meeting with a careers and employability adviser by calling into the Careers Zone in the Student Life Building or at Byrom Street (ground floor of the James Parsons Building), phoning us on 0151 231 3719/2048, or by emailing careers@ljmu.ac.uk