How To Ace Your Next Assessment Center

Welcome to another edition of The Job Seeker Hub weekly newsletter. This edition is dedicated to all things Assessment Center (AC). In this edition, we will discuss ACs, the activities involved in a day, and how to best prepare for the day.

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1. Understand the Format

Assessment centres vary by organisation but typically include a mix of interviews, group exercises, presentations, and psychometric tests. They can last a full day or half a day, depending on the company. Knowing what to expect allows you to tailor your preparation accordingly. Some companies might organise a briefing call or Zoom meeting to explain what the day will entail. This is your chance to ask as many questions as you have to familiarise yourself with what to expect on the day. 90% of the time, assessment centres are the last stage of the recruitment process, and if you are successful on the day, you will be made an offer. However, some companies do have a final interview after the assessment centre.

2. Research the Company

Deep dive into the company’s values, culture, and recent developments. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest. Understanding their core values can guide your behaviour during group exercises and interviews. Follow the company on LinkedIn and other social media platforms to stay up to date with their developments. Depending on the role you’ve applied for, try reading their latest financial statements or other reports and ask thought-provoking questions on the day based on what you have read. Make sure also to follow industry-wide updates as you might get a question on the topic.

3. Practice Common Exercises

Common components of assessment centres include:

• Group Discussions: Focus on being a team player. Contribute meaningfully without dominating the conversation. Show active listening and encourage quieter members to share their views.
• Presentations: Practice delivering concise and clear presentations. Pay attention to your body language, eye contact, and voice modulation.
• Case Studies: Enhance your analytical skills. Practice breaking down complex problems, structuring your thoughts, and presenting logical solutions.
• Psychometric Tests: Use online practice resources to familiarize yourself with the types of tests (numerical, verbal, and logical reasoning). Examples of practice platforms include Graduate First and Job Test Prep.

4. Network with current employees.

Once you get your AC invite, do not hesitate to get in touch with current employees at the company to ask about their experience and the role. People are always happy to help on LinkedIn, and this proactive approach will most likely get back to your interviewer and play in your favour. Be careful, however, not to ask anything specific about the AC or any activities included in the AC. Examples of questions you could ask include ‘What’s your favourite thing about your role?’, ‘What do you enjoy most about working for the company?’, ‘how has the company helped you in your personal and professional development?’, etc. If you would like a detailed handbook on how to use LinkedIn in your job search, please do not hesitate to let us know.

5. Some relevant advice

• Dress professionally: First impressions matter. Dress in professional attire that aligns with the company’s culture. Ensure you feel comfortable and confident in your outfit. Research the company’s dress code online and on LinkedIn and try to match that.
• Behave professionally: From the moment you enter the building till the moment you leave, you will be evaluated. Be polite with everyone you meet on the day, from the receptionist to your interviewer. Ask them about their role/day and engage in small talk when possible.
• Be enthusiastic: Assessment centres can be intense, but maintaining composure and enthusiasm is crucial. A positive attitude and genuine enthusiasm can be contagious and leave a lasting impression. Practice stress-management techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or visualisation. Remember to smile – it conveys confidence and can help put both you and others at ease.
• Be on time: Plan your journey in advance, factor in potential delays, and aim to arrive early to settle in and gather your thoughts. Aim to arrive no earlier than and no later than fifteen minutes before your scheduled interview.
• Follow up: After the assessment centre, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. This demonstrates professionalism and reinforces your interest in the role.

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The next few editions of our newsletter will focus on each assessment centre activity. Make sure to come back over the next few weeks to learn more about how you can prepare for each activity.

Have an interview coming up and need more practice? TJSH is working hard behind the scenes to create a booklet with the most common interview questions. Make sure to follow The Job Seeker Hub LinkedIn page to be the first to know when it drops!

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Until next time,

TJSH Team :)