In addition to an interview, sometimes you will also have to undergo an “assessment centre” as it allows others to get a better idea about what you are all about and giving them a wealth of information about you as a potential candidate that might not be available through interview alone. However, it works both ways and will also provide you with a better understanding of the requirements for that particular role.
An “Assessment Centre” might include aptitude testing, personality profiling, giving a presentation, doing a case study, participating in a group exercise and a competency-based interview. The activities are a range of activities chosen to assess your performance against the competencies your firm or company requires.
So how can you prepare for an assessment centre?
01. Do your Research
Start by doing your research. Do as much research as possible to find out what your firm or company’s process is and what their assessment centre involves.
Get as much information as possible so that you can assess where you sit/how you compare to others in the process and what you might need to work on.
If your company has a promotion framework, it is likely that information regarding the required competencies will be available and therefore you will be expected to know what these are.
However, do rely on the “official” information alone, talk with as many people as possible including people who have done it, your peers, your mentor, your boss etc. Gather all these insights together so that you can be as prepared as possible and know what to expect.
02. Personality Profiling
You can’t fake personality profiling – it will show up at some point. Just be yourself and know yourself. Know what your development areas are so that you can highlight and turn your weaknesses into strengths.
03. Aptitude testing
There are lots of practice sites for aptitude testing online to help you practice and become familiar with the process so that it doesn’t seem so unsettling. Prepare by practising, but again this is not something you can fake.
Sometimes you will have to do the test online in advance. Regardless of when (or where), you take the test you should always, ensure you know how much time to have to do the test and use your time wisely (ensuring that there are no distractions), check and double-check your instructions, don’t rush unnecessarily and read the questions carefully and consider your answer carefully.
04. Prepare and Practice your Presentation
An important part of any assessment centre will be the presentation. The main thing is to make sure that you answer the question. Answer the question with 3 key points and prepare stories and pictures to help answer the question.
Rehearse it and know your presentation off by heart.
Make sure you keep to time (but don’t rush), that you keep your presentation simple and avoid using too much technical jargon. Keep your energy levels up.
If you think it will help prepare and provide a summary for the panel in advance.
Prepare by practicing your presentation skills and different presentation skills so that you are a much more confident presenter.
05. Interview Preparation
An important part of your assessment will be a competency-based interview. Prepare for this as you would prepare for any other interview.
- Prepare for commonly asked questions.
- Make a list of questions.
- Rehearse your answers with 6-10 different scenarios in mind.
- Do a mock interview with a coach if you have one.
However, remember the best answers are those that are well-prepared but sound spontaneous.
Review and match your stories and skills to any competencies list.
06. The Day Before/On the Day
Plan what you can in advance. Plan what you are wearing and what you are taking with you. Plan your journey. Have any notes (and a copy of your presentation) prepped and ready to go. This will reduce any on the day stress.
Like with any other interview, make sure you get a good night’s sleep the day before. Eat well to give you energy and to keep you going throughout the day. Eat a light breakfast, even if you don’t normally eat at Breakfast time.
Finally, use mindfulness and breathing exercise to calm your nerves.