Surviving Assessment Centres

Breeze through assessment centres with these tips and tricks.

You’ve been thrust into a room or virtual platform full of strangers, asked to play games and then observed to see whether you get put through to the next round or eliminated. The situation is ripe with uncertainty and your nerves are getting to you.

As much as that sounds like something out of a TV show, this is actually a common occurrence at assessment centres. But in truth, graduates often make the mistake of treating these like a competition against their fellow candidates, due to mounting pressure.

Don’t fall into that trap! It’s important to remember that you’re being assessed against the employers’ criteria, not each other, and it’s important for you to show how well you can work in a team. What to expect

Although assessment centres are used to test for specific skills and aptitudes required for the individual role on offer, most of them typically contain similar elements and exercises.

You can expect to be involved in a combination of the following in most assessment centres: • Group work exercises • Presentations • Aptitude and psychometric tests • In-tray/e-tray exercises • Case studies linked to the job function

Recruiters will assess you for a number of things, including how you demonstrate core skills and competencies such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving. The group setting also makes it much easier to assess how well you work with others, how you influence and persuade, and how others respond to you. How to behave

Though assessment centres may seem artificial, your goal is to show what you would really be like if you got a place in the company. Here are some tips on how you can be your best self on the spot! Be professional Arrive on time and look the part. Be friendly but polite. The assessment centre is partly a social exercise, so do participate in both formal and informal discussions during projects, lunch or tea breaks.

If you’re attending online, hop onto the platform early and get to know it. Although it’s tempting to pass your lunch or tea breaks alone in your room, make the effort to get involved in discussions happening over these times!

While you should be prepared to initiate conversations, remember that although it’s fine to make small talk with assessors, avoid being overfamiliar.

Get your hands dirty Don’t stand back and turn your nose up. Group exercises are designed to see how well you work with others, so make sure you take part.

Be enthusiastic and make an effort, whatever the task. Besides, concentrating on the task at hand will help you forget your nerves.

Don’t lose concentration It’s going to be a long and tiring day, so try to make sure you have a good night’s sleep beforehand as you’ll need to stay alert and engaged.

On top of that, even if you’re assured that the informal food and drinks don’t play any part in the selection process, you should be careful not to gorge yourself – evaluators know when you’re dozing off from a full belly whether you’re physically there or not! Be yourself Instead of feeling the need to act a part, just be the most positive version of yourself. Try to relax and behave naturally.

You might even find it possible to enjoy yourself despite the inevitable nerves, and a smile is more likely to make a good impression than a face frozen in fear! Social etiquette

More often than not, the trickiest part of assessment centres aren’t even the exercises, but the composure that you must maintain throughout the entire day – in both formal and informal settings.

That said, how should you carry yourself during social intervals, such as lunch or tea and coffee breaks?

Many applicants have little experience socialising in a professional context, whether physically or virtually, and this can be a source of stress for them. But there’s no need to fret! Here’s how you should conduct yourself during the social bits of an assessment centre.

Introduce yourself confidently When you want to start a conversation with a recruiter, be pleasant in the way you approach them – a polite smile and a handshake is the standard introduction practice when in-person, and smiling and speaking clearly if virtual.

You can then get the ball rolling by giving your name and some relevant background information, much like your subject of study.

Ask recruiters questions Avoid approaching recruiters during social breaks with personal questions. Play safe instead, and ask industryrelated questions to demonstrate your earnestness and determination.

General questions about recruiters’ career backgrounds and time with the company are good conversation starters as well.

Strike a balance between eating and socialising Don’t forgo eating just because you’re nervous or want to take the opportunity to network! You still have a long day ahead of you, and an empty stomach might jeopardise your subsequent performance, even if it might be easier to hide it virtually.

If you feel like you need some time to eat or compose yourself before the next assessment session begins, don’t be worried about having to move away when attending the event in-person, but do so politely! A simple “excuse me” will usually be more than sufficient to free yourself.

If your attendance is virtual, explain that you need some time to yourself, and that you’re going to turn off your camera and mute your microphone.

How do I know if it is going well?

You know you are on track when…

• You’ve achieved a mix of taking charge and taking a back seat • At the end of the day, you realise you’ve actually managed to enjoy yourself

Things are not going so well if...

• You didn’t meet anyone – fellow candidates and assessors – whose company you enjoyed • You walk away feeling suspicious, judged and anxious

Bonus tips

Presenting at assessment centres Speaking in front of a mixed group of candidates and assessors is no easy feat, so give yourself the best chance by following these tips: • Make sure you have a structure for your presentation • Practise, practise and practise! • Use visual aids to guide your audience • Start only when you’re ready!