You may be put through a series of tests, exercises and interviews at assessment centres to determine if you are the right fit for an organisation. Many organisations such as consultancy firms, financial institutions and government agencies use assessment centres to recruit for management associate roles. Follow these pointers to excel at your next assessment centre exercise.
KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT
- Research on the organisation’s mission and values through its website and social media pages such as LinkedIn.
- Reach out to its employees to gain insights about the work culture. Then expand your search to other sources such as Glassdoor.
- Find out what assessment centre activities are likely to be carried out so that you can be better prepared.
SET A POSITIVE FIRST IMPRESSION
- First impression counts, both in person and virtually.
- Dress professionally and presentably in appropriate workwear.
- Be punctual.
- Maintain a good posture and positive body language.
PITCH YOURSELF
- Be proactive and seize opportunities to speak up and demonstrate your skills.
- Bear in mind that you are there to pitch your suitability for the job.
- Assessors want to see team players who understand the tasks assigned and are able to adopt suitable strategies to meet objectives.
- Show how you can add value to the organisation with your skills and knowledge.
BE A PURPOSEFUL LEADER AND TEAM PLAYER
- Display your interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills.
- Showcase your strengths and ability as a team player by interacting constructively with other candidates. This demonstrates your confidence and situational awareness as a team player.
- Exhibit your leadership skills by making it a point to manage strong personalities and engage the quieter ones when working in a group.
NETWORK CONFIDENTLY
- Be prepared to participate actively during informal sessions such as lunch and tea breaks. The entire assessment centre experience is a social exercise.
- Be professional, pleasant, and polite.
- Have a short self-introduction speech ready so that you can initiate and maintain conversation with others.
SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION
- Follow up and thank the company for the opportunity at the end of the assessment.
- Share a short anecdote of your positive experience at the assessment centre to make it more personal.
- Emphasize your interest in the job.
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