Have you been invited to an assessment centre? Find out what you might be doing on the day and how you can prepare!
Some organisations, particularly large and well-known companies, get far more applicants for their apprenticeship programmes each year than they can take on. This means that they need an efficient way to assess the applicants and choose the right candidate(s) for the role. One common way that companies do this is by using apprenticeship assessment centres, also known as assessment days.
Not everyone who applies for an apprenticeship will be invited to an assessment centre. If you get asked to attend one, you’ve likely already made it through the first round of applicant screening. This is something to be proud of in itself, so take a moment to celebrate.
What is an Assessment Centre?
At an assessment centre, you and a group of other candidates will meet with representatives from the company. Assessment centres might take place at the company’s premises, at a school or college, or at another location such as a conference centre. Some also take place online, particularly in the post-pandemic world. They can last anything from an afternoon to two days.
During the assessment centre, you and the other candidates will be invited to take part in a range of exercises and activities. This might include group or individual interviews, skills tests, discussions, a presentation, teamwork activities, networking, and more. The exact format will depend on the company and the job.
Assessment centres are not supposed to be scary! It’s natural to be nervous, but the company isn’t trying to trip you up or catch you out. They want you to do well and will work to create a welcoming, non-intimidating atmosphere during the assessment day.
How to Prepare for Your Assessment Centre
If you need to prepare anything in advance, such as a portfolio or presentation, you will be told about this when you get your assessment centre invitation. If there are no formal requirements, you can still get prepared for your assessment day to give yourself the best chance of acing it.
Start by reviewing your CV, cover letter, and application form as well as the job description to remind yourself exactly what the employer is looking for and how you fit the criteria. If anything is unclear, don’t be afraid to drop them an email and ask questions.
Next, do your research. Hopefully you learned a lot about the company when you were applying. Now is the time to review that knowledge and catch up on the company’s latest news. Resources such as the company’s official website, the candidate handbook if there is one, LinkedIn, social media, and press cuttings can be helpful here.
Make sure you have something suitable to wear. Dress smartly, as if you were attending a job interview (because you are!). A shirt or blouse with a blazer and smart trousers or skirt, or a business-formal dress, is ideal. Don’t forget about smart shoes that you can wear comfortably all day and a suitable bag. Long hair should be tied back, and makeup and jewellery should be minimal and professional.
Get a good night’s sleep the night before your assessment centre day and eat a healthy, filling breakfast before you set off.
Finally, plan your route. If you are taking public transport, build in extra time for unexpected delays. If you are driving, don’t forget to factor in rush-hour traffic and work out where to park. Being late is not a good look.
What to Take to an Assessment Centre
If you need to bring anything specific, you should be told about this in advance. If in doubt, here’s our quick checklist for what to bring to your assessment centre:
- A copy of your CV, cover letter, and application form
- Any documents you have been asked to provide, such as copies of exam results
- Your portfolio, presentation, or any other materials you have been asked to prepare
- Photo ID, such as your driving licence or passport
- A notebook and at least two pens (in case one runs out)
Top Tips for Acing Your Assessment Centre
An assessment centre is your opportunity to stand out and be memorable in all the right ways. The most important thing is to be yourself. Pretending to be someone you’re not is usually very obvious to experienced professionals and can backfire. This means playing to your strengths and trying not to compare yourself to other candidates.
How you interact with others is a crucial part of the assessment centre process. Aim to be friendly and courteous to everyone you meet. Shake hands, introduce yourself, and show a genuine interest in others. In group activities, participate actively and be confident without being domineering. Make sure that everyone gets a chance to speak and encourage shyer members of the group to share their ideas.
Remember that everyone is in the same boat. Do not be tempted to put the other candidates down in an attempt to make yourself look better. It’s important not to see the other candidates as your enemy. Many companies have more than one apprenticeship position up for grabs, so you never know who you might end up working with.
Have a few professional small-talk topics ready to go for the networking portion of the day and any breaks. With other candidates, you can ask them about where and what subjects they studied as well as their career aspirations in your shared field. With panel members and company employees, ask them about their role, how long they’ve been with the company, their career background, and what they enjoy most about the job.
Attitude is everything at an assessment centre. Be positive, approach tasks in a can-do manner, listen actively, and show interest at every stage. Listen closely to instructions and do as you are asked the first time. If anything is unclear, it’s fine to ask questions to clarify what is expected of you.
Most importantly, take a deep breath, smile, and let your personality and skills shine.
