Standing out at assessment centres

Share
3 min read

Assessment centres are unique to the employer, designed to identify the skills that are fundamental to the company and the role you are applying to. Typically, they will run over a period of days and can include a combination of different activities, such as group/team exercises, interviews, technical tests, written exercises and presentations.

Many assessment centres are now taking place online. But whether you’re attending an assessment centre in-person or virtually, there are certain things you can do to stand out from the crowd for all the right reasons.

Do the prep!

The first step is to read through the instructions and any other documents sent to you carefully.

This will ensure that you know what to expect and will allow you to make the necessary preparations, like checking your availability, arranging transport/planning your journey, and making sure you have everything you might need on the day.

“Ensure you’re all packed, outfit chosen, and you’ve got any revision material printed and ready to take with you a couple of days before your planned centre. Similarly, if you are unfamiliar with the area, plan your journey and ensure you arrive promptly” – Sellafield

Research is key

As with every stage of the application process, it’s important that you do your research.

Find out what the company’s values are and identify in the job description what skills are required for the job. This will reveal to you what the recruiters will be looking for in potential candidates – it’s a good idea to prepare some examples of when you’ve demonstrated these values/skills in the past.

“Often group activities at assessment centres are testing ‘soft skills’ that are required for the role you are applying to. These skills are usually easy to spot in job descriptions” – CGG

It’s a two-way process

Assessment centres are a great opportunity for you to get to know the employer and really get a feel for their working environment. But equally, they are a chance for the employer to get to know you and establish whether you’re right for the business.

Being a good fit is key to succeeding at and enjoying your job, so it’s really important to be true to yourself throughout the experience.

“Don’t try to be the person you think we want to see…we want to see the real you” – Atkins

Show your enthusiasm

Employers want to see that you’re enthusiastic about the company and the role, as it suggests that you’d be an active part of the team and dedicated to the business.

Utilise your research to show that you were interested enough to dig a little deeper.

You can also show your enthusiasm by talking about the things you’re passionate about and how they relate to the role.

“We want to see your passion and enthusiasm for the business you have applied to, so make sure that shines through on the day” – Atkins

Be a good team-player

Many assessment centres include group exercises. This allows the employer to observe how you interact and engage with others – a key indication of how you’d work within their team. Try to find the right balance between offering your contribution and listening to, or helping to facilitate, the contribution of others.

“It’s never the loudest person that’s the leader. It’s the person who’s able to pull all the different ideas together and gives everyone the chance to speak” – SSE

Share
Share
×
Copy the URL...
Or share on...
Follow your favourite employers
Save jobs to your shortlist
Receive personalised alerts
Access our live webinars
Register now
On the move? Download The App
Gradcracker Logo
Gradcracker Limited, October House, Long Street, Easingwold, York, YO61 3HX
01347 823822 | info@gradcracker.com | Company registration number: 6370348
© 2007 - 2024 Gradcracker Limited
Gradcracker and Cookies
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website.
If you continue we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies from Gradcracker.
Continue
Learn more