In an assessment center, candidates participate in a series of individual and group exercises which simulate critical aspects of the target job. Trained assessors observe each candidate s performance and evaluate his or her behavior on predefined dimensions which relate to success in the specific job in question. The core of this training is practice and feedback, using videotapes and written samples of the actual exercises used and the associated assessor report forms.
Candidates participate in exercises during an intensive period of assessment.
All activities are scheduled in advance and procedures are monitored by an administrator. The assessor reviews the behaviors observed in order to assign a numerical score on each job-related dimension measured by the assessment center exercises. The scores are made independently and without discussion with other assessors. Not only are the numerical scores recorded, but each rating is supported by specific examples of behavior observed in each exercise. This integration is accomplished by a statistical combination of data.