The company used (Futureboard Consulting) were not very competent. They asked me to take a logic quiz and have the results returned in 2 days time which put me under stress due to it being during my dissertation.
I finished the quiz and was then called the next day to be told to be ready for a Skype interview the next day, for which I had to cancel a meeting with my dissertation supervisor as they did not give me enough notice. The interview however was smooth and had no issues as the lady was very friendly and able to understand the technical answers given during questioning.
After being told I had succeeded at the Skype interview, I was asked to go down to Ipswich in 3 days time for the assessment center, again rather difficult as I was in Dundee at the time and left me little time to book my way down.
On the day of the actual assessment center, I opted for a neat jumper, formal shirt and suit trousers with black shoes as I am sadly one of those people who does not suit a suit. Most of the other candidates came suited and it is expected you come in at least "Business Casual" as I did, so please bear that in mind.
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NOTE FOR SECURITY BASED APPLICATIONS
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I would also offer that I was applying for a security based role, which involves a background check which is legally required in order to hold clearance. Do not hide any past activity from them and if you do not think you can hold at least an SC level of clearance, also let them know as this can affect your ability to be given an offer.
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The actual process involved 4 main exercises, a SWAT analysis, Group discussion, Presentation & a technical interview. The Swat analysis and Group discussion while being business based do test you skills at communication, problem spotting & solving, decision making and prioritisation.
The presentation is to see your understanding of a chosen subject you are given to research and present and how you can sell it and make the company want to follow that vision, following one of the core values of "Change" in the company.
The technical interview was very tough but fair, the questions increased in difficulty to test my knowledge until I had to admit I did not know the subject well enough to answer that question. I was then told that was what they wanted, to see what you did know and to be able to admit when I did not as I overheard some candidates attempted to answer randomly and failed.
Overall the day was enjoyable and I learnt a lot from the experience, as well as the types of people I would be going up against for interviews for similar positions in other companies and the types of questions/assessments they would have.