Assessment Centres > Advice and Help

 

HOW TO SHINE AT AN ASSESSMENT CENTER

You should be prepared for a cram packed day, which should be both enjoyable and informative but also tiring. The purpose of an assessment centre is to assess whether you have the right skills, abilities and cultural values as the organisiation you are hoping to join. Most company websites have a section that talks about their visions or values use this to find out exactly what the employer is looking for so you’ll be able to think in advance of the types of skills they are likely to seek and to give you some examples you can use in your interview.

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How to make an impression >

First impressions always count so make sure you dress appropriately

• If you organisation is suited and booted so should you be, if they are a more casual organisation, dress accordingly [although always err on the smarter side]
• If in doubt ask the person organising you assessment centre before you attend
• Arrive with a smile and a sturdy handshake
• No matter how you feel on the inside look confident and at ease

 

Do your homework and find out what’s currently happening around not only the company but also the industry

• Review news articles and trade magazines to find out more about what is happening in a wider perspective
• Have questions with you ready to ask on the day

 

Always listen to any instructions you are given

• You never know what your assessors might give away!

If you are on an overnight assessment day don’t be tempted to stay up into the wee small hours

• However tempting you  have got a long day ahead of you being tired and/or hungover is never a good start
• Politely excuse yourself when you feel appropriate
• No one will think any less of you for getting an early night

Remember that the assessors want you to do well – they have spent a lot of time screening candidates and want you to succeed

• They will be looking for evidence that you have the skills and attitude to be successful in their company
• Do all you can to show them that you are the right person for the role
• Remember they will have to justify you to the rest of the business so they need to be confident you are the right person for the role and do take part – your views will shape what employers do.

HOW DO I FIND THE RIGHT BALANCE ON AN ASSESSMENT SO THAT I SHOW I CAN LEAD IN A GROUP EXERCISE WITHOUT TAKING OVER?

This is probably the question I get asked more than any other, and yet it is the hardest to answer!

It is always difficult to find the right balance so that you show you can lead, without completely taking over. admittedly as an assessor however we are looking for someone who can do exactly that!

I suppose my advice therefore is no matter how clichéd it might sound, the best you can do is be yourself. Your natural style of leadership will suit some companies more than others so sometimes it is finding the right programme that is actually what is needed rather than doing something in a group situation that simply isn’t the way you will naturally do once you get the job.

If nothing else something I always say to the graduates I coach prior to final stages is think about things from an outsider’s perspective, how would things be different if you weren’t there? If you take yourself out of the activity you are doing, would the group...

a)      Reach a worse outcome without you

b)      Reach the same decision without you

c)      Reach a better decision without you.

 

If you answer is b or c, you are in trouble!!