Role-Plays: 7 Steps to Role-Play Interview Success

Another dreaded assessment centre is the role-play. It is known as a business simulation which is an important part of an employer’s recruitment process. Do not worry as this guide will help you pass.

Get a copy of our Ultimate Assessment Day & Interview Guide here. It comes with tricks and tips which will help and guide you to succeed. 

What is in this Guide?

  • Steps to Role Play Success
  • Two example role-play exercises
  • Video which includes what employers usually want to see during your role play. 

Starting point resources

  • Listen to our podcast about role play success
  • Download full interview preparation tools 

What is a role-play exercise?

In this part of assessment, candidates could act out a scenario which could occur in the job you are applying for. 

What happens during a role-play exercise?

  1. You will be provided with an outline of a scenario and an objective. You will be given 20 to 30 minutes to prepare. 
  1. You will do the role play with one of the assessors or the line manager.
  1. At the end of the exercise you will be scored according to your performance. Feedback will also be factored in. 

The role play would depend on the industry you are applying for. However, the structure on how the role-plays are administered are similar and the same. 

What do employers want to see during a role-play exercise?

Here are two simple examples which are often used by huge corporations:

Example 1- the angry customer

“You are the sales manager of a small firm. You received a telephone call from an angry customer who bought a home security system from your company but is not happy with it. They are now threatening to take their story to a customer watchdog and to the trading standards ombudsman. Your objective is to resolve the issue with the minimum damage to the company (both financially & in terms of our reputation). Plan your response and prepare to call the customer.”

Example 2 – Internal Negotiation 

“You are a team member. The other role player is your manager. You have worked for this company for 4 years, having worked for your Manager for the last 2 years. The work is very enjoyable however you get very little development time from the boss, and you are very keen to get on. The manager does the annual appraisal every February with you. Lots of promises were made; however nothing seems to get done. There’s always an excuse.

Samantha, who does a similar job for a different boss, always seems to get plenty of time with him- reviewing performance, action planning, different projects, extra responsibility. She’s even spent some time in another part of the organization for a couple of weeks on secondment. 

You are determined to tackle your manager about this. An opportunity has just cropped up to sit down with him or her. Your task is to influence your manager to give you more time to develop you. Make sure you get a firm commitment such as the first ‘coaching’ session put in the diary.”

These are just two of the simplest examples in a role play assessment. You will be faced with more complex and high detailed practice role-plays. 

Steps to Role-Play Success

Now that we have done the basics, let us now dive deeper and check these 7- Steps to Role-Play Success which would greatly help you in succeeding interview and assessment centre role-plays. 

  1. Read the brief carefully. Then, read the brief carefully. 

This is very important step, as, if you rush reading, you could have misconceptions and misunderstandings. Hence, fully understand what is expected from you from the exercise. What role will you assume? Are you clear on what is being asked? Ensure you understand your role clearly and the only way to do this is by reading the brief carefully. If you are not sure ask one of the assessors. 

  1. Prepare a list of open-ended questions.

This will provide you with all the information you need that is not in the brief and this is your job to uncover and address it. Questions such as:

  • “tell me about…”
  • “can you expand on…”
  • “could you talk to me about…”

These questions are valuable as they provide more information and clarity. Take note that there are some details that are deliberately omitted. This allows the assessors to see if the candidates could think on their feet. 

Stop worrying and click here to download your copy of 12-step assessment day cheatsheet and be prepared. 

  1. Prepare your bookends

These are pre-prepared opening and closing statement. Having your bookends could help you relax, calm and settle down. Having a strong closing statement will help you wrap your role play up. 

Try to spend time during your prep time to create your bookends. Try to remember them or if they are long, you could write them down and glance at them once in a while. 

  1. Prepare a skeleton structure but keep everything flexible

It is important that you have a clear plan before you begin with your role play exercise. However, it is also important for you to flexible. Go with the flow and ensure you notice the things that the assessor could throw at you. 

Take note that the assessors would want to see how you react to unexpected circumstances. 

  1. Have 1 piece of paper on your lap/table

This is a very practical tip. Do not have a lot of cluttered notes, just write down bullet points in a huge, easy to read words. 

  1. Practice, practice and practice

If you wish to improve your performance on the day of your assessment, we highly recommend that you practice, practice and practice. This would help you gain more confidence and help you be calm during your assessment event. 

You could watch a 45-minute video through the Role-Play Masterclass.

  1. Be relaxed, natural and confident

We know that this is easy to say but it is very difficult to do. With that, we recommend that you read our article “How to Deal with Nerves and Anxiety” and learn more from our full access to our interview preparation tools here.  

Final questions for you…

  • Will you be taking a numerical reasoning test or verbal reasoning test? If yes, we suggest that you check out our aptitude tests section.
  • Are you worried about your assessment day or performing a presentation or preparing for an interview or group/in-tray exercise?
  • Would you like to get some guidance on how to deal with nerves and anxiety at your interview?
  • Check our tools and resources page.