Preparing for the Assessment Centre
At the assessment centre, we can get to know you better and you can learn more about us. To help you get the most from the experience, we’ve given you a few hints and tips on this page.
Before the day
- Research the position and the company. Think about your own skills and experience and how they relate to what we’re looking for. Use your initiative and learn as much about Imperial Tobacco as you can.
- Visit our corporate website, read the press, and look at the Tobacco unit next time you visit your local shop. Prepare any questions you think you might want to ask in case these are not covered during your interview.
- You’ll be sent the full address of where your assessment will be held – but it’s a good idea to double check that you know where you are going. Allow time for traffic jams. If you are going to be delayed please ring ahead and let us know.
- Ensure you have both parts of your driving licence with you on the day. Take a copy of your CV to refer to during the interview.
At the Assessment Centre
- It‘s normal to feel nervous before the day. We recommend you arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to give yourself time to relax.
- Throughout the day we will want to find out more about you; your previous work experience, achievements and relevant skills. You'll be asked a series of competency based questions and will be expected to talk about specific examples. So it’s worth having a think about relevant situations you could talk about.
- You'll also take part in a role-play which will last around 15 minutes, the full details of which will be explained to you on the day. The role play is based around a real aspect of the role and therefore it will reflect what you would do if you were doing the job for real.
- We won't ask you any trick or 'killer' questions; we just want to find out whether you are the right person for the job. Listen carefully to what you are being asked and think before answering.
- Don't forget to ask us questions. We always allow time at the end of each interview for these, but we’ll also be available throughout the day to talk about any aspect of working for us.