How to Shine at an Assessment Centre

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 organisation you are hoping to join. 


Make an impression…

1) First impressions always count so make sure you dress appropriately

  • If the organisation is suited & booted as should you, if they’re more casual, dress accordingly [although always be 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


2) Do your homework. Find out what’s currently occurring, 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
  • Check the companies visions and values  so you can project the types of skills they are looking for


3) Always listen to any instructions you are given

  • You never know what your assessors might give away!


4) If you are on an overnight assessment day don’t be tempted to stay up too late

  • 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


5) Remember, the assessors want you to do well having put a lot of effort in to getting you there

  • 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 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 but without completely taking over. Admittedly, as an assessor, we are looking for someone who can do exactly that!
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...

  1. Reach a worse outcome without you
  2. Reach the same decision without you
  3. Reach a better decision without you

  If you answer is b) or c), you’re in trouble!!