Tackling Assessment Centres

Often the final stage of the recruitment process, an assessment centre can be both intimidating and gruelling.

Know what to expect

While corporations have different components of their assessment centres, they usually consist of a group activity, an individual exercise and an additional interview.

Find out what to anticipate from the recruiter. Although the organisation may give you limited details beforehand, you can still browse online forums to get a better understanding of the activities planned and gather some useful information from past applicants. Be open-minded and mentally prepared to participate wholeheartedly and show the best version of yourself.

At investment banking assessment centres, expect opportunities to present solutions related to products and client servicing. You can rehearse your answers to general interview questions and keep abreast of financial news and economic trends, as well as review other potential questions and information you must know.

Group activity

This part usually splits hopefuls into small groups to tackle a problem-solving task – its main purpose being to evaluate not just your ability to communicate, but your capacity for teamwork as well.

As group dynamics and teamwork are crucial in most firms, it’s imperative you show recruiters that you are a confident team player who can voice opinions and support others at the same time. But keep in mind that it’s not a competition! You’ll be assessed against the employer’s criteria and not against other applicants.

By knowing everybody’s names and asking for their input if they haven’t had a chance to speak yet, you can show your customer service and communication skills. Articulate your ideas clearly, but be careful to not dominate or interrupt the discussion. Most importantly, stay calm and considerate at all times, especially when dealing with difficult situations – it’s yet another chance to show why you’re fit to join the financial sector.

Take everything in your stride

If you aren’t offered a position after going through the tests in the assessment centre, there’s no need to be disappointed. Instead, treat it as a learning experience – you had the chance to experience a “day of work” in that organisation, and test out whether they’re the right fit for you. After all, it’s not just about you impressing the employer, but the other way around too.

You could also try to reach out to recruiters and ask for some personal feedback on how you can improve in order to prepare for the next assessment centre. Competition is fierce in the financial world, so if you can take the learning points from one failed situation as valuable experience to help you gain momentum in entering the industry, you’ll have a higher chance of succeeding on your next try!

Dress well and behave appropriately

The test starts the second you step into the venue. Recruiters will observe and pay attention to everything, from your outfit to the position you choose to sit or stand in. Remember to be friendly and polite to everybody, including the receptionist and fellow candidates. This is especially important since roles in banking and financial services are people-centric.

Maintain your confidence and composure throughout the day, including during break times in between each segment. After all, with changes and challenges constantly rife in the finance and accounting world, having a stable temperament is crucial.

Individual exercise

You might be given psychometric tests similar to those given online in an earlier part of the recruitment process. This is so that the employer can verify their findings.

Otherwise, recruiters will likely give you a case study to solve and ask you to give a presentation on your recommendations. The questions in these exercises can run the gamut from choosing which potential company to acquire, how to respond to new technology in accounting, or even how to handle difficult customers.

Besides testing your financial acumen, the purpose of this exercise is to test your analytical and reasoning proficiencies, as well as your communication and persuasion skills. Focus on key information and plan your time well.