ArmyofHarmony said:
Going to Cali,
What was the CAT assessment center like? what did you do there?
Mine was in Peterborough at the Perkins site, where are you applying?
The assessment day was good, certainly the most professional I'd done.
In the morning, there was a 20 minute group exercise where you have to construct an arch way out of lego pieces. The arch way must be freestanding and two people must be able to go under the arch way (seperately). In this task, I'd advise getting involved the cost calculations and the design itself. Try to be active, making suggestions and also listening to others.
After this, I had an interview with the undergraduate recruitment officer, a person who worked in the IS department and another from HR. You're asked to reflect on your own performance, talk about leadership etc, your knowledge of the company and the role and how you're suitable for the position. It's was a very two way thing. I didn't feel under pressure at all so don't worry about a grilling. Just be honest!
After my interview, there was a laid on lunch, make the most of it. You won't be marked down for having extra's!
After lunch, you have to give a presentation (~5mins using slides) to the rest of the applicants (usually about 7/8) and the assessors. It'll relate to a project you have undertaken, your role, outcome etc. Ask if there are any questions from the applicants (unlikely) and the assessors (more likely!). I was asked a short technical question. Again, it wasn't trying to catch you out but for you to show that you understood exactly what a specific part of your project was about.
This was followed by a group debate. The scenario was to choose who would be saved from a flooding cave. As with the first exercise. Encourage ideas from others and give your own. Try to be as active as possible without being over the top. Personally, I recorded everyone's rankings on the flip chart. This meant everyone looked to me when giving answers and showed the assessors I could take the stimulate the debate within the group.
At the end of the day (it's 9-4!) there'll be english and maths tests. Fairly straight forward there.
After that, I heard within a couple of days when the grad team phoned me to reflect on my performance and offered me a position.
I hope this helps and good luck with your interview!
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