Assessment Centre Insight

Assessment Centre Insight 

Having spent years as a graduate recruiter, working with companies like BT and Goldman Sachs, I’ve run my fair share of assessment centres and coached countless candidates through the process. I know how nerve-wracking it can be, but I also know that with the right preparation and mindset, you can absolutely thrive. So I wanted to share my insights, think of this as my inside scoop on what to expect and how to put your best foot forward.

First things first, if you’ve been invited to an assessment centre, take a moment to congratulate yourself. This is usually the final stage of the process and it means the company already sees potential in you. Now it’s just about showing them why you’re the right fit.

On the day you’ll meet other candidates, senior employees and the Early Talent team (the recruiters who’ve been guiding you through the process). The format varies but expect a mix of individual and group exercises, all designed to assess how you align with the company’s values and the skills they’re looking for. It’s important to remember that you don’t need to be perfect in every single task. If one doesn’t go as planned, brush it off and focus on the next. The beauty of assessment centres is that it’s about your overall performance, not one isolated moment.

Timekeeping and Being Prepared

Staying on top of communications is key so check your emails regularly and make sure you haven’t missed any important details. If you require reasonable adjustments due to a disability, recruiters should contact you in advance, but if you haven’t heard from them, don’t hesitate to follow up. For any timed assessments, be strict with yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment, but sticking to the allocated time is crucial. Before diving into a task, pause for a moment and think about how you’ll break it down and tackle it effectively.

Attending an In-Person Assessment Centre

If your assessment centre is in person, most companies will reimburse travel costs, so keep your receipts! Plan your journey carefully, we all know how unreliable public transport can be sometimes, so aim to arrive early. The last thing you want is to start the day flustered. Pack your bag the night before, choose your outfit and ensure you have everything you need. Save the recruiter’s contact details on your phone just in case. And this is an underrated tip, get a good night’s sleep as it makes all the difference. Attending in person is a fantastic opportunity to soak in the company culture and possibly even get a sneak peek at the office space where you could be working.

Virtual Assessment Centres

For virtual assessments, preparation is just as important. Make sure your device is fully charged and check that your microphone, camera and internet connection are all working smoothly. If you need to install any software, do it well in advance. Find a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted. If you have headphones (especially noise-cancelling ones), they can help with focus, but don’t worry if you don’t. Tech issues can happen so if your WiFi cuts out, stay calm. Having the recruiter’s phone number saved means you can quickly reach out and let them know what’s happening. Showing composure under pressure demonstrates resilience, which might even work in your favour.

What Are Assessors Looking For?

Every task is designed to assess different skills, so do your homework. Look at the company’s website and understand what skills and values they prioritise. A law firm might value integrity and problem-solving, while an engineering company might look for collaboration and analytical thinking. Regardless of the role, these eight skills will always be relevant:

• Listening

• Speaking

• Problem Solving

• Creativity

• Staying Positive

• Aiming High

• Leadership

• Teamwork

Remember, this process is a two-way street. Just as the company is assessing if you’re a good fit, you should be thinking about whether they align with what matters to you. Look at their values, do they prioritise inclusion? Sustainability? Client service? Make sure their culture resonates with you.

What to Expect on the Day

Individual Interview

Your interview will likely be with one or two people, often a senior leader and a junior team member. They’ll want to understand your knowledge of the job, the skills you bring and whether you fit their company culture. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is your best friend when structuring answers. Don’t be afraid to ask for a question to be repeated if you’re unsure, it’s completely normal. And when they give you the chance to ask questions, take it! Prepare a couple in advance so you’re not caught off guard.

Group Exercise

This is where teamwork really matters. You’ll be given a task to discuss and solve as a group while assessors observe. The key is collaboration, this is not a competition. Engage with others, listen actively and encourage quieter participants to share their thoughts. If you want to stand out in a good way, volunteer as a timekeeper or notetaker, but make sure you’re still actively contributing to the discussion.

Presentation

You might be asked to prepare a presentation in advance or be given information on the day to analyse and present. This isn’t just about speaking confidently it’s about demonstrating analytical thinking and structuring your ideas logically. Expect follow-up questions and don’t panic if you don’t have all the answers. If presenting makes you nervous, practice beforehand with a friend or even in front of a mirror. Many senior professionals still dread presenting, so you’re not alone!

Law Firm-Specific Exercises

If you’re applying to a law firm, expect a Written Exercise. This isn’t a legal knowledge test it’s about attention to detail and clarity of thought. You may also get a Case Study, which mimics real work scenarios. You’ll analyse information, identify issues and discuss your findings in an interview. They’ll be looking for logical thinking, commercial awareness and how you handle pressure, not pre-existing legal expertise.

Final Thoughts

Assessment centres are designed to challenge you, not to catch you out. The assessors want you to succeed, they’re hoping to find the right person for their team. Stay calm, be yourself and remember that if you’ve made it this far, you’re already in a strong position. You should receive a timeline for feedback, but if you don’t hear back when expected, follow up. I hope this has been helpful and I’m wishing you the very best of luck!