Assessment Centres – how to do well!

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My friend Jim has just got through to an assessment centre and I think he has done really well.  It is a job he really wants and I think he will do well in the role.

Clearly the recruiters think so too! Assessment centres cost money and you don’t usually call up candidates unless you think that from what you have seen on paper they could do well.

1. Be Yourself! My top tip is to understand that the assessors know what they are doing – they will be able to see through an act. Of course you should keep your wits about you and present yourself at your best but try to relax enough to let the real you shine through. It is a good idea to have a simple relaxation technique to practice during odd break. 
2. Know the criteria. Usually, the assessors will be assessing you against a pre-defined list of qualities and competencies. For most public sector jobs you’ll know what these are before the event. In the private sector, openness can vary. But you should try to find out before the assessment centre.  If you applied through a recruitment consultancy they should be able to help. At the very least the job description will give an indication of the criteria you’re likely to be measured against.
3. Manage your time carefully.  Many candidates at assessment centres fail to do themselves justice because they run out of time in exercises. Where you have to read a brief and then do an exercise afterwards, start by skim reading. After this there is a chance to go back and study important points more carefully once you have a feel for the overall objective and what you are required to do. Keep an eye on your watch and allocate your time carefully.
4. Don’t put other candidates down. Remember you are being measured, not against other candidates, but against the criteria for the role.  Scoring points off others in group exercises doesn’t make you look good it just makes you look like a non-team player who scores points off others; that is not likely to make the assessors warm to you.  It would be unrealistic to say that you are not in competition but in this situation your best strategy is usually going to be to support, not to compete.
5. Practice if you can.  It really help if you can run through possible exercises with someone you trust as preparation for the centre.  You will find some good information about the kinds of exercises you might face at this link. You will find organizations that offer paid-for practice on-line.
6. Know what you are doing and show you are doing it. At the assessment centre listen carefully to all instruction and show you are listening through your body language.  If there is an opportunity to interact with the assessors – say at lunch time – then make the most of it.  But don’t be nuisance and certainly don’t hog the limelight.  You out to make an impression be memorable but make sure it is for the right reasons.

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Wendy Mason works as a Coach, Consultant and Blogger. She works with all kinds of people going through many different kinds of personal and career change, particularly those wanting to increase their confidence

If you would like to work on developing your own confidence, Wendy offers the Wisewolf Learn to Be Confident Program at this link

You can contact Wendy at wendymason@wisewolfcoaching.com  or ring ++44 (0)2084610114