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A Guide to Assessment Centres

We know assessment centres can feel a little daunting, whether it’s your first one or you’ve attended several before. Our assessment centres are designed to give you the opportunity to showcase your skills, strengths and potential in a supportive environment.

 

This guide is designed to help you understand what to expect on the day, who you’ll meet, and the types of activities you may take part in.

What's an Assessment Centre?

An assessment centre is an opportunity for you to showcase your skills, strengths and potential through a variety of activities designed around the role you’ve applied for. It’s also a chance for you to learn more about Anglian Water, meet people from across our business and discover whether the role is right for you.

On the day, you’ll join a group of fellow candidates and be welcomed by Anglian Water colleagues who will be hosting the assessment centre. You’ll have the opportunity to meet a range of people from across the business, including potential hiring managers and trained, impartial assessors from different teams.

Assessment centres may take place at one of our offices, operational sites or an external venue, such as a conference centre. Depending on the role you’re applying for, you may take part in a variety of activities including individual exercises, interviews, skills-based tasks, group discussions, presentations, teamwork activities and networking opportunities.

We’re committed to making our assessment centres as accessible and inclusive as possible. If you need additional breaks, adjustments or support at any stage of the day, please let a member of the team know and they’ll be happy to help. Fidget items and colour overlays will also be available, and we encourage you to get in touch in advance if there’s anything we can do to support you fully.

Learn more about our Assessment Centres

Briefing & Role Overview

We'll start the day with a welcome briefing where you'll learn more about Anglian Water, the role and what to expect throughout the assessment centre. You'll also hear from our hiring teams and have the opportunity to learn more about the team and opportunity.

Individual Activity

Complete an exercise independently designed to showcase your skills, strengths and approach to problem solving. We're interested in how you think, plan and work through different situations.

Group Activity

Work alongside other candidates to discuss ideas, share perspectives and collaborate as a team. This activity helps us understand how you communicate and work with others.

Lunch & Networking

Take some time to relax, refuel and get to know fellow candidates and Anglian Water colleagues. It's a great opportunity to ask questions and learn more about life at Anglian Water.

Interview

Tell us about your experiences, strengths and motivations in a relaxed conversation .It's your opportunity to tell us more about yourself and ask any questions you may have.

Preparing for Your Assessment Centre

We want you to feel confident and prepared on the day. While every assessment centre is different, there are a few simple things you can do beforehand to help you perform at your best.
Prepare in Advance
What to Bring
What to Wear

Prepare in Advance

If you need to complete any preparation in advance, such as creating a presentation, we’ll let you know when we invite you to attend the assessment centre.

Even if there are no formal preparation requirements, it’s worth taking some time to:

  • Revisit the role advert and familiarise yourself with the opportunity.
  • Consider examples of situations where you’ve demonstrated key skills, strengths or achievements.
  • Learn more about Anglian Water and the work we do.
  • Plan your journey and allow plenty of time to arrive if attending in person.

What to Bring

If there’s anything specific you need to bring, we’ll tell you in advance. If in doubt, here’s our quick checklist for what to bring to your assessment centre:

  • Any documents you’ve been asked to provide, such as qualification certificates, exam results or proof of predicted grades.
  • A form of photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence.
  • Proof of Right to Work documentation (further guidance will be included in your invitation).
  • Any materials you’ve been asked to prepare in advance, such as presentation notes.
  • A notebook and pen if you’d like to make notes throughout the day.

What to Wear

We recommend dressing in a way that helps you feel comfortable, confident and professional. If there are any specific clothing or safety requirements for the role or venue, we’ll let you know before the assessment centre.
Icebreakers, Networking & Getting to Know People
Individual Activities and Independent Thinking
Group Activities and Why Teamwork is Important
Interviews and Showcasing Your Potential
Icebreakers, Networking & Getting to Know People

Throughout the day, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet other candidates, assessors and Anglian Water colleagues. We’ll start with an icebreaker activity designed to help everyone get to know each other, settle into the day and feel more comfortable before the assessment activities begin.

 

As you’ll be speaking with lots of different people, this part of the day may feel busier and louder than other activities, with several conversations happening at the same time. This is completely normal. If at any point you need a quiet moment, a break, or some additional support, please let a member of the team know and we’ll be happy to help.

 

We encourage you to make the most of networking opportunities throughout the day, including during comfort breaks and lunch. These informal conversations are a great chance to learn more about the role, hear about life at Anglian Water and build connections with other candidates and colleagues.

 

Top Tips

Be yourself and enjoy the conversation.

Ask questions about the role, team or working at Anglian Water.

Take the opportunity to learn from others and share your own experiences.

If you need a break from the noise or activity, just let one of our colleagues know.

Individual Activities and Independent Thinking

Individual activities give you the opportunity to demonstrate how you approach tasks, analyse information, solve problems and work independently. We’re interested in understanding your thought process, decision-making and approach to challenges, not just the final answer. These activities are designed to help us see how you organise your thinking, prioritise information and apply your skills in a practical scenario.

 

 

As you’ll be completing the activity individually, the room may feel quieter than other parts of the assessment centre. This is completely normal and helps everyone focus and perform at their best. Try not to compare yourself to others or worry about what those around you are doing. Everyone works at a different pace and may take a different approach to the task. Instead, focus on showcasing your own skills, strengths and potential.

 

Top Tips

Read the task instructions carefully

Take your time and stay focused.

Show your reasoning

Don’t compare yourself to others!

Group Activities and Why Teamwork is Important

Many of our assessment centres include a group activity, giving you the opportunity to work alongside other candidates to discuss ideas, solve problems and reach a shared outcome. The purpose of the activity isn’t to see who speaks the most or finishes first. We’re interested in how you work with others, communicate your ideas and contribute positively to the discussion.

 

 

Effective teamwork looks different for everyone. You might support others by sharing ideas, listening carefully, asking questions, building on someone else’s suggestion or helping the group stay focused and organised. We’re interested in understanding how you collaborate, approach challenges and work together towards a common goal.

 

Top Tips

Listen to and respect different viewpoints.

Contribute your ideas and opinions confidently.

Encourage others to participate in the discussion.

Focus on working towards the best outcome as a team.

Be yourself and don’t feel pressured to take on a leadership role if it doesn’t come naturally

Interviews and Showcasing Your Potential

The interview is an opportunity for us to learn more about your experiences, skills and motivations, while giving you the chance to learn more about the role and ask questions. It’s absolutely fine to ask the interviewer to repeat a question or explain something if you’re unsure what’s being asked. You may wish to bring notes with you, but we recommend using them as prompts rather than reading from them directly.

 

 

Many interviews include questions about situations you’ve experienced in the past. You may find it helpful to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and provide clear examples. Remember, examples can come from a variety of experiences including education, work, volunteering, hobbies, sports or personal achievements.

 

 

Try to give complete answers that help us understand not only what you did, but also how you approached the situation and what you learned from it. Don’t be afraid to talk about challenges or mistakes. We’re often just as interested in how you’ve reflected, adapted and developed as a result.

 

 

Top Tips

Take a moment to think before answering a question.

Use examples to bring your experiences to life.

Be honest and authentic in your responses.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the role or Anglian Water.

Remember, we’re interested in your potential as well as your experience.

Top Tips for an Assessment Centre

Our assessment centre helps us understand how you work, think and collaborate, while giving you the chance to showcase your strengths in a supportive environment. It’s as much about you getting to know us as it is about us getting to know you.

It’s About How You Work

Assessment activities aren’t about finishing first, but about your approach, attitude and how you work through a task.

Be Yourself

This is your chance to stand out by being you. Play to your strengths and focus on your own performance rather than comparing yourself to others.

Work Well With Others

How you interact really matters. Be friendly, inclusive and respectful, making space for everyone to contribute – this reflects our values of working together, doing the right thing and exploring better ways.

Make the Most of Networking

Use breaks and networking moments to connect. Simple, professional conversations can help you build rapport with both other candidates and Anglian Water colleagues.

Ask Questions and Show Curiosity

Don’t be afraid to ask questions during the day. Showing curiosity about the role, the task or Anglian Water demonstrates engagement, interest and a genuine desire to learn.

Take a Breath – We’re Here to Help

Relax, smile and let your skills shine. If you need support before or on the day, just let us know, we’re happy to help.

Top Tips for an Assessment Centre

Our assessment centre helps us understand how you work, think and collaborate, while giving you the chance to showcase your strengths in a supportive environment. It’s as much about you getting to know us as it is about us getting to know you.

Assessment activities aren’t about finishing first, but about your approach, attitude and how you work through a task.

This is your chance to stand out by being you. Play to your strengths and focus on your own performance rather than comparing yourself to others.

How you interact really matters. Be friendly, inclusive and respectful, making space for everyone to contribute – this reflects our values of working together, doing the right thing and exploring better ways.

Use breaks and networking moments to connect. Simple, professional conversations can help you build rapport with both other candidates and Anglian Water colleagues.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions during the day. Showing curiosity about the role, the task or Anglian Water demonstrates engagement, interest and a genuine desire to learn.

Relax, smile and let your skills shine. If you need support before or on the day, just let us know, we’re happy to help.

Taking Care of Yourself During the Assessment Centre

We understand that assessment centres can feel challenging and, at times, overwhelming. While many candidates enjoy the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and meet others, it’s completely normal to feel nervous or need a moment to regroup. If at any point during the day you feel overwhelmed, anxious, unwell, or simply need a short break, please speak to a member of the recruitment team. We’re here to support you and will do our best to help you feel comfortable and able to perform at your best.

 

 

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for everyone. If there is anything that would help you participate fully in the assessment centre, whether that’s an adjustment to the process, additional support, or discussing a personal circumstance, we encourage you to let us know as early as possible. Further information about the support and adjustments available can be found on our careers website: Recruitment Process Adjustments.

 

 

Remember: asking for support or requesting an adjustment will not affect your assessment outcome. Our aim is to create an environment where every candidate has a fair opportunity to demonstrate their potential.

Inclusion at Anglian Water

 

We welcome everyone! As an equal opportunity employer, we consider all qualified applicants, no matter their gender identity, ethnicity, nationality, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We hire and nurture based on merit and a shared passion for making positive impacts. Our commitment is to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and can use every drop of their potential. Our managers and assessors have all undergone a variety of training and development to ensure that the process is fair and to mitigate any unconscious bias. 

 

 

Our Commitment to Inclusion and Belonging

 

At Anglian Water, inclusion isn’t just a policy—it’s part of who we are. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation and help us deliver the best service to our customers and communities. That’s why we actively create an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to thrive. 

 

We’re proud to: 

 

Provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure fairness and accessibility. 

 

Offer training for all managers and assessors to reduce unconscious bias and promote equitable decision-making. 

 

Encourage open conversations about inclusion and belonging, because your voice matters. 

 

If you have any questions or need support during your application journey, please reach out to our recruitment team. 

 

We’re here to help every step of the way. 

FAQs

Our assessment centres typically last the full day from 09:00 – 15:00. You'll be provided with timings in advance so you know what to expect and can plan your day.

We recommend dressing in a way that makes you feel comfortable and confident. If there are any specific requirements for the role or location, we'll let you know in advance.

We'll let you know in advance whether refreshments and lunch will be provided and ask about any dietary requirements where applicable.

We'll keep you updated throughout the process and let you know the expected timescales for receiving feedback and outcomes following your assessment centre.

You're welcome to make notes throughout the day and, where appropriate, refer to any preparation materials you've been asked to bring.

Different activities help us understand different skills, strengths and behaviours, and we'll explain each activity during the day so you know what's expected. While some activities are formally assessed, we encourage you to make the most of every opportunity to showcase your skills, experience and potential. Whether you're taking part in an activity, networking over lunch or chatting with colleagues, it's a great chance for us to get to know you.