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Going for an assessment centre is scary and nerve wreaking even for the confident candidates. Do not worry as we have tips which would definitely help you.
Tip 1- Preparation Equals Success
This is the most basic but important tip. There is a bigger chance for you to succeed if you are prepared than not. This tip is the foundation for you to be able to pass your assessment centre.
- Learn about the company and role
- Research about the company and the organization. Try to learn and understand their goals and their ethos.
- Know and understand what they look for in their employees. You could find this out on their website.
- Speak to people within the company.
- Internalize the job description. Know it by heart and you should know it even when you are asleep.
- Get as much practice from practice exams and tests you could before your real exams. If you know that you will be taking numerical reasoning test, then, take as much numerical practice tests as you could. To learn how to pass the aptitude tests, check the links below:
- Psychometric Testing: An Overview
- Verbal Reasoning: Practice Tests & Top Tips
- Numerical Reasoning Practice Tests, Tips & Coaching Videos
- Abstract Reasoning: Practice Tests & Tips
- Inductive Reasoning Test: 6 Essential Tips
- Watson-Glaser Test: Success Guide
- UKCAT Test: Practice Tests & Tips
- Logical Reasoning Test: Practice Tests & Tips
- Personality Tests: The Ultimate Guide
Tip 2- Invest in Your Wellbeing
Those who are asking for tips on how to succeed their assessment centre, they are the ones who would want to find a quick-fix. Unfortunately, there is no single answer that would provide you a huge boost. You will need to do several fundamental things. These things are often overlooked which shouldn’t be.
- You would need to have enough Sleep. Try to have a regular sleeping pattern and rest. This will keep you alert and will help you concentrate during your assessment event.
- Exercise– try to exercise at least 3 times a week for a month before your assessment event. This activity will release your endorphins which will help promote wellbeing. It also reduces stress and anxiety. However, do not push yourself too hard especially if you are just beginning to exercise.
- Eat right- eating healthy and balanced diet will help you feel and look good. It will help you keep your sugar levels at bay from crashing which will help you stop feeling sluggish and lethargic. Also drink lots of water as well.
Tip 3- First Impressions Count
Though this might seem to you as a given, we would like to reiterate the importance of it.
- Show that you are professional- dress of business. Be smart and look professional.
- Be punctual. – this is really important. Try to arrive earlier than your specific time. If you are not sure of how to get to the office, ensure that you have time to check it out days before so you will not get lost.
- Ensure that you bring everything with you- paperwork, identification, pen, etc. Check your invitation carefully and ensure that you do not miss anything.
Tip 4- Be Someone They Want to Employ
There are some traits that prospective employers would want to have in their employees. Some would be the same, some would not.
- Be polite and friendly – companies do not assess candidates of their abilities only, they also are looking for somebody that could join their team harmoniously.
- Be conscientious- Ask questions and show you are taking the work seriously.
- Be personable- Do not mistake as being personable as compromising professionalism. Ensure that you balance this both.
- Be confident- You would surely have this if you come in prepared and ready. To lean more, check our guide to controlling nerves at your assessment centre.
- Avoid negativity at all costs- Always remember this even during break times and lunch. You will never know who is listening. Believe us there are even some employees who would impersonate as a candidate.
Tip 5- Become an Aptitude Test Ninja
Aptitude tests are often one of the make it/break it part of passing and failing your assessment centre which is why we we kept on emphasizing the importance of practicing them. First is know what supplier of tests does your employer uses. Read the invitation sent to you and contact your employer’s HR and check if you could know what type of tests you will be given.
Here are some guides which could help you immensely.
- Psychometric Testing: An Overview
- Verbal Reasoning: Practice Tests & Top Tips
- Numerical Reasoning Practice Tests, Tips & Coaching Videos
- Abstract Reasoning: Practice Tests & Tips
- Inductive Reasoning Test: 6 Essential Tips
- Watson-Glaser Test: Success Guide
- UKCAT Test: Practice Tests & Tips
- Logical Reasoning Test: Practice Tests & Tips
- Personality Tests: The Ultimate Guide
Once you know which supplier your future employer uses, you could check some of these links:
SHL practice tests
Kenexa practice tests
Saville practice tests
Talent Q practice tests
Cubix practice tests
Cut-e practice tests
Tip 6- Get to Grips with Group Work
One of the assessment activities would be group work. This is crucial part of the assessment as your future employer would want to see if you would fit in with their team.
- Try to take the lead- This will put you at a good spot and you will be noticed right away. However, do not be too aggressive and be bossy. Remember there is a difference between a leader and bossy.
- Be friendly – Try to smile at other candidates and if possible call them by their names. Recognize their input and their ideas.
- Be confident- Show everyone that you have understood what is being asked from the group. Do not be afraid to voice out your ideas.
- Be collaborative- encourage others to contribute as well. You are working as a team and has one goal.
- Be courteous- do not criticize other members of your group. Allow everyone to participate. You would need to show respect and patience when you are working in a group.
Tip 7- Ace Your Interview
This is one of the sections which you will have to strongly perform. We know, easier said done done right? But do not worry as long as you prepare and keep in mind these key areas:
- Be clear on the key skills and competencies your prospect employer requires from your role.
- Before the day of your assessment centre, spend time to think of real-life examples and experiences that you had that would match their required competencies. If you do not have any example do not tell to the assessor that you cannot think of any example. You could instead think of an example that could occur in the future.
- Revisit your original application form- remind yourself of what you have told them about yourself.
- Have questions in mind for the interviewer. Check this article that includes a good list of example questions which you could use and ask.
Download full access to interview preparation tools here.
For more tips and details, click this section, Interview Success.
- Know your CV/Resume. You will be asked regarding your previous jobs and why you left it.
Update your CV before your Interview
One of the biggest mistakes when going to your interview is not improving your CV. Here’s why:
- Update your CV before the interview event and take with you a fresh, newly and improved version. One that is tailored to the job or role you would want.
- In interviews, one of the basis of your interview will come from the information on your CV. No matter the interview is competency based or no. You will have to answer the questions based on your CV.
- Your CV is one of the basis in the hiring decision process. It is your CV that they look at when they decide whether to hire you or not.
The CV is the one that reminds the hiring manager of what your skills and experiences are and what happened during your hiring process. Aside from that, your CV is also your first and last impression. With this, we remind you to make your CV as strong as you could.
Tip 8- Be Crystal Clear On Your Goals
You will be provided with numerous instructions, demonstrations and rules. We highly suggest for you not to rush them. Scan through it then read them carefully. Take time to have a full understanding of them before you dive in.
Ask questions if you are not 100 percent sure of what is required of you. Read questions thoroughly and try to be confident before you answer the questions.
Try not to be pressured as this could lead to mistakes.
Tip 9- Do not be disheartened
Remember, assessment centre is composed of many different elements. Do not worry if there are some sections where it did not go well. The tests are designed to highlight your strengths and weaknesses. Try not to dwell too much on it. Do not allow one bad section to ruin your overall performance.
Tip 10- Practice, practice and practice
This is the only way for you to have a higher chance of success. We recommend that you practice psychometric tests and aptitude tests. Practice answering interview questions with your friends as well. This will boost your confidence and your chances of success too.
Thank you for reading! We hope we were able to help you succeed in your assessment event.