Many organisations such as consultancy firms, financial institutions and government agencies use assessment centres to evaluate candidates for management associate roles and other positions. You may be put through various tests, exercises, and interviews to determine your fit for the organisation. Follow these pointers to perform your best at your next assessment centre.
KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT
- Research the organisation’s mission and values through its website and social media such as LinkedIn.
- Reach out to employees to gain insights about the work culture. You can also explore reviews on job platforms such as Glassdoor.
- Find out what specific activities are likely to take place at the assessment centre, so that you can prepare accordingly.
SET A POSITIVE FIRST IMPRESSION
- First impressions matter, whether in person or virtually.
- Dress professionally and appropriately for the workplace.
- Be punctual.
- Maintain positive body language and good posture.
PITCH YOURSELF
- Be proactive and seize opportunities to speak up and demonstrate your skills.
- Remember, you are there to showcase why you are the best fit for the role.
- Assessors are looking for team players who understand the tasks and are able to adopt effective strategies to meet objectives.
- Highlight how your skills and knowledge will add value to the organisation.
BE A PURPOSEFUL LEADER AND TEAM PLAYER
- Demonstrate your interpersonal, communication and teamwork skills.
- Interact constructively with other candidates to demonstrate your ability to collaborate and lead when necessary. This demonstrates your confidence and situational awareness as a team player.
- In group settings, manage dominant personalities and involve quieter team members. This shows leadership and emotional intelligence.
COMMON TYPES OF ASSESSMENTS
- Group interviews
- Aptitude and psychometric tests
- Presentations
- Case studies
- Role plays
- In-tray or e-tray exercises
- Team games
NETWORK CONFIDENTLY
- Participate actively during informal moments such as lunch and tea breaks. Assessment centres are as much about social interaction as they are about formal tasks.
- Be professional, pleasant and polite.
- Prepare a short self-introduction to kickstart conversations with assessors and fellow candidates.
SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION
- Follow up with a thank you note to 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.
- Reiterate your enthusiasm and interest in the role.
Attend CAO’s workshop to get feedback through mock practice and excel at assessment centres.
