Master the Assessment Centre

A Guide To Success

Landing an assessment centre invitation is a huge achievement, but preparing for one can feel daunting. In a recent live Q&A, early careers expert Steph Leyland shared her insider knowledge on how to confidently navigate the day. She broke down the process with some great tips to take away.

1. Before the Day: The Power of Preparation

Preparation is your best friend. Start by really getting to know the company’s mission and values. Read through the job description again to get a feel for the core competencies they’re looking for.

And don’t be afraid to ask questions. Steph told us a about a candidate who wasn’t sure about the dress code. Instead of guessing, they simply sent a polite email to the recruiter for clarification. It was a small thing, but it showed they were professional and it meant they felt much more confident and less stressed on the day.

When you’re working out your logistics, make sure you plan your route and travel time. You want to arrive with enough time to spare, but Steph’s advice is not to get there too early. Aim for about 10-15 minutes before the start time. It shows you’re punctual and prepared without putting pressure on the organisers to accommodate you ahead of schedule.

To ensure the assessment is accessible for everyone, please contact the recruiter in advance if you have any specific requirements that need to be accommodated, such as extra time for tests.

2. On Arrival: Your First Impression

Remember, from the moment you walk through the door, you’re being assessed. Don’t be afraid to interact with the assessors and other candidates during any downtime. This is your chance to show them your authentic personality. As Steph emphasises, you should be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not, as a company that is the right fit will value the real you.

3. The Main Events: Acing Your Activities

An assessment centre is a mix of interviews and group exercises. Here’s how to tackle them both.

Interviews: To give clear, compelling answers, Steph highly recommends using the STAR technique. This method is crucial because it helps you structure your responses with real-world examples, making your experiences memorable and easy for the interviewer to follow.

Situation: This is where you set the scene for your example. Explain when and where the event took place, giving the interviewer a clear picture of the context.
Task: Describe the specific task or challenge you were faced with. What was the goal you needed to achieve?
Action: This is the most crucial part. Detail the exact steps you took to complete the task. Be specific about your actions, not what the team did.
Result: Finally, explain what the outcome was. Did you achieve your goal? What did you learn from the experience, and how did you benefit the team or company?

Group Exercises: These are designed to see how you work in a team. The assessors aren’t just looking at the final outcome; they’re watching your approach to the task. To shine in this section:

Read the task carefully: Make sure you fully understand the instructions before you speak.
Contribute meaningfully: Don’t just talk for the sake of it; add real value to the conversation.
Involve others: Ask for input from quieter members of the group to show you’re a great team player.
Manage time: Volunteering to be the timekeeper is a brilliant way to show leadership and keep the group on track.
Remember it’s not a competition: Assessors are looking for great candidates, and it’s possible for everyone in the group to get an offer.

Final Thoughts: It’s a Two-Way Street

The assessment centre is as much for you as it is for the company. It’s your chance to see if the culture, environment, and people are the right fit for you. Go into the day with a positive mindset, be prepared, and let your unique skills and personality shine through.