Assessment centre tips
We asked employers the ways in which candidates can prepare for assessment centres. Here are their top tips:
John at HSBC says:
- Review the employer’s website to see what details are given of the assessment centre process. If there are no details, don’t be afraid to call in advance and ask.
- Bring yourself up to speed with what the employer is looking for from candidates and prepare examples which show you have these capabilities. Prepare examples for each of these capabilities.
- Review press coverage of your prospective employer for two weeks before the assessment centre.
- Prepare a list of questions you want to ask.
- Be prepared for an interview, group exercise based on case studies and role plays.
- Keep your energy levels up. You need to be on top form- and remember you are being observed all the time during an assessment centre - not just during the formal parts.
Julie at Aon says:
The key to success at assessment centres is research and preparation. If you know what to expect, where to go, and who to ask for you are less likely to be nervous and become flustered in any exercises you're faced with. Assessment centres are not designed to trip you up; a well-structured assessment centre will be a two way process allowing employers to see how you perform in work based scenarios while you are given a flavour for the type of challenges you may face as a graduate in their organisation.
Mike at Chaucer says:
- Think long and hard about your appearance. In finance, a smart business suit is expected, and it is human nature to weight first impressions quite highly.
- Tailor your research by company, not by generic industry information. It is expected that you understand what the specific company does before you arrive.
- Expect the unexpected! Assessment centres are a good way to see people work in a number of different ways, from individual presentations and interviews to team challenges. Do not expect to ‘hide in the crowd’ as you may go unnoticed.
Julie at Baillie Gifford says:
- Research possible exercises that may be used. Be clear on what the employers are assessing you against and how this links to the job you are applying for. For example, a group exercise is likely to be assessing your ability to work as part of a team, listening skills, time management, creative thinking, problem solving etc. How can you display this evidence during the exercise?
- Don’t be too competitive with other candidates. This is often evident to assessors and demonstrates your ability to work (or not) as part of a team! Focus on doing your best rather than trying to out-do others.
- Treat each exercise individually – if one exercise goes badly, try not to let it affect the rest of your performance.
- Use the assessment centre as an opportunity to find out as much about the company as possible - you are selecting the employer as much as they are selecting you. Show a genuine interest in the organisation/opportunity.
- Be on time, dress smartly and be enthusiastic.