Assessment Center Preparation in Vienna for Executives
An assessment center can decide in a single day on a position you may have worked towards for years. Presentation, role play, case study and interview follow in quick succession, observed by several assessors who evaluate every detail of how you come across.
Subject-matter expertise alone is rarely enough. What matters is that your leadership capability becomes visible within a short time. That is exactly what we prepare you for: focused, confidential and with candid feedback.
What matters in an assessment center for executives
Assessment centers for leadership positions use exercises that simulate typical situations from day-to-day leadership. Common formats include:
- Presentation: a strategy, a concept or your inaugural address to the panel.
- Role plays: a staff review, a conflict conversation or a negotiation with trained role players.
- Case study or in-tray exercise: setting priorities and deciding under time pressure.
- Group discussion: impact, persuasiveness and collaboration within a team.
- Structured interview: motivation, leadership philosophy and your track record.
Assessors are not looking for a perfect performance. They check whether your behaviour matches the requirements profile of the role. If you know that profile and can articulate your own strengths clearly, you will go into the day with far more confidence.
How the preparation works
1. Understand the requirements
We analyse the job posting, the organisation and the requirements profile. This shows which competencies the assessment center is likely to focus on.
2. Position your strengths clearly
You develop your key messages: your understanding of leadership, relevant achievements and your answer to the question of why you are the right person for the role. If you wish, a potential analysis with the Master Person Analysis (MPA) adds further insight.
3. Practise the exercises realistically
We rehearse the presentation, role plays and interview under realistic conditions. You receive specific feedback on structure, impact, voice and body language.
4. Dress rehearsal
Shortly before the date we run through the key exercises once more, so that you go into the day calm, clear and authentic.
Who the preparation is for
- Executives facing an internal promotion, for example to division head or managing director
- Candidates in selection processes run by executive search firms
- Leaders moving to a new organisation or industry
- Applicants for senior positions in the public sector, at universities or on boards
If you are facing a hearing before a selection committee rather than an assessment center, see our hearing preparation in Vienna. For your application as a whole, from CV to interview, our career coaching can support you.
Why the Leadership Institute Vienna
- The assessor’s perspective: we conduct executive assessments and management audits for organisations ourselves, so you know what assessors pay attention to.
- Real leadership experience: Dr. Judith Girschik spent 15 years in leadership positions with international companies, including as managing director.
- Certified quality: ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Vice President of ICF Austria.
- Confidential and flexible: at our offices at Spiegelgasse 21, 1010 Vienna, or online. In English or German.
Frequently asked questions about assessment center preparation
What is assessment center preparation?
Assessment center preparation is individual coaching in which you get to know and practise the typical exercises of an assessment center, such as presentation, role play, case study and interview. You receive feedback on your impact and go into the selection process with clear key messages.
Which exercises are used in assessment centers for executives?
Common formats are a presentation, role plays such as staff or conflict conversations, a case study or in-tray exercise, a group discussion and a structured interview. The exact exercises depend on the organisation and the position.
Can you really prepare for an assessment center?
Your personality is not something you train, and that is not the aim. What you can prepare is clarity about the requirements profile, the structure of your presentation and answers, and a confident way of handling time pressure and critical questions. In practice, that makes a significant difference.
How far in advance should I start preparing?
Ideally two to four weeks before the date. If time is short, focused preparation in one or two intensive sessions is also possible.
What does assessment center preparation cost?
The fee is 480 euros per session of 60 minutes. How many sessions make sense is something we clarify in the free 30-minute initial consultation.
Does the preparation take place in person or online?
Both are possible: at our offices at Spiegelgasse 21, 1010 Vienna, or online. Preparation is available in English or German.
Well prepared for your assessment center
In a free 30-minute initial consultation we clarify which process you are facing and what sensible preparation looks like. Confidential and without obligation.