The main thing is to remain calm. The other candidates are probably as nervous or apprehensive as you might be feeling. Remember, the assessors won’t be trying to catch you out; they want you to succeed.
You may find the following helpful:
- You're always being assessed, so be friendly, considerate and pleasant towards each person you encounter from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave.
- Try to join in with all group discussions, not just during the assessment centre activities, but also while socialising during breaks and meals.
- Be sure to contribute into all exercises and tasks. As well as sharing your ideas, help other candidates by offering to be the note taker or time keeper for example.
- Listen actively, not just to the assessors, but to your fellow candidates too. Look engaged, nod at suitable times and ask questions when appropriate.
- Concentrate on yourself and your own performance on the day. Don’t be worried about what the other candidates may or may not be doing.
- If at any point you think you’ve made a mistake, move on from it and put your full focus into the next task. Often activities are marked separately, so if you under-perform in one task you can still excel in another and have a good chance of getting chosen for the role.
- Be yourself. Let your personality shine through so the employer can see how well you’d fit into their organisation and the team you're looking to join.
- Thank the assessors for their time at the end of the day.
Other points to keep in mind:
- Assessment centres are very expensive, you wouldn't be invited to take part unless you had a good chance of getting the job.
- Don’t be intimidated as all the other candidates will be nervous too.
- Make sure you know exactly what you’re required to do and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
- The assessments are objective and are therefore fair.
- The results of the observed exercises are arrived at by a consensus of opinion from a number of different assessors.
- You're assessed over a range of activities, so if you under perform in one you can redeem yourself in the others.
- Assessment centres sometimes have the advantage of giving you longer to assess the organisation and the people within it, to support you in deciding if it’s the right ‘fit’ for you.
