As you have already read in our series on the assessment center , the AC is a very popular but also demanding group selection process in which companies examine their applicants very closely. It's about getting to know the candidates live and testing their behavior in different work stations. The whole thing consists of several parts, of which the case study is probably one of the most demanding tests in the assessment center. Why? Not only can it be long, but it also requires analytical thinking, strategic planning and strong communication skills.
Wow, that sounds like a challenge! The case study is designed to test you on how you deal with complex situations. Can you plan measures strategically and then present them well in an argumentative manner? Not only is your good idea convincing, but you also have to show that your plans can actually be implemented and can help the company in a difficult situation. Sounds complicated? Don't worry, we can demystify the case study monster that seems to be ruining your assessment center.
What happens during the case study in the assessment center?
As the name suggests, this test refers to solving a specific case that is complex but not unmanageable. A situation is given that suits the company or industry and you are supposed to develop a convincing strategy for how to deal with this situation in the case study in the AC. Specifically, this could mean developing a new marketing strategy, presenting a plan to attract new employees, or identifying ways to increase the company's sales.
The case study in the assessment center can be either a group task or individual work. The time this part of the AC takes depends on the complexity of the task to be solved and can last from an hour to several days.
What should be taken into account in the case study in the assessment center?
The case study exam in the assessment center is intended to show your future employer that you are able to understand complex tasks in their entirety and develop a solution in a well-organized manner.
So you should:
- First read the task very carefully and try to filter out all the important details. Make a few bullet points for this.
- then come up with a step-by-step plan for how you can deal with the problem and what your solution is. Write down your solution here too so that you can understand later why you chose this one.
- Finally, briefly summarize your solution. Make sure that you explain your thoughts well so that outsiders can understand what you were thinking in detail.
Why the case study in the assessment center?
The case study in the assessment center tests how quickly you grasp an issue, whether you can familiarize yourself with the topic effortlessly and whether you pay attention to and understand all the details. On the other hand, it depends on whether you can find a logical, strategically well-considered solution to the problem. So work quickly, but also conscientiously and plan your actions so that others can also understand.
Strategy is well on its way
To your new job!
“Strategic success is the happy preparation for tactical victory.” Carl Philipp Gottfried von Clausewitz tells us and that is exactly your motto for the case study in the assessment center. Because here you can really score points with a good strategy and with our tips you will be well prepared for this exam.
In the free AC training from Barmer GEK you will receive holistic training as well as examples that can be used to illustrate case studies in the assessment center even better. You can find more information about the offer here! Take advantage of the offer and be perfectly prepared for your AC case study!
