Assessment day is getting closer!

Finalv

Hey guys,

Basically I'm 21 and a student. I have an assessment day on the 12th form what I would consider a brilliant opportunity. Not only does the job fit around uni but pays £18k a year and is in exactly the field I want to work in.

So all in all the date is getting closer and I really want this job

Any advice/ tips for the day? all input will be greatly appreciated.

P.S I have a friend that work in the department im applying for, She got the job in her second year the same as me but her degree was completely unrelated yet mine is quite tailored to the job, so hopefully that will be in my favour.

**Juice**

I'm sure you'll already have done some of this stuff:

Before the interview

• Research the industry, company and the department you're going to be working in as thoroughly as you can
• Re-read the job advertisement/spec, and your CV/application and memorise how your qualifications/experience match up with the job spec
• Have a look at some common interview questions and prepare/revise answers

On the day

• Take a folder with your certificates and an extra copy of your CV in if you're being interviewed - it shows you're organised and prepared
• Make sure you stay friendly but professional at all times
• At the interview part if they offer water, take it as you can sip it if you want to take a min to prepare your answer
• Try and remember peoples names
• Get there 15 minutes early and plan how you're getting there properly to avoid any delays
• Keep an eye on the time for any assessments - you don't want to be the one at the end struggling to keep up

Good luck with your interview/assessment!

claire16c

I used to run assessment centres for people doing industrial placements as part of their degree (I went on one myself for the same company so knew how the candidates felt!).

If you have to do a group task, make sure you talk! I know that sounds ridiculous but we would have groups of about 6-8 people, and youd often get a couple who would barely say anything - so unsuprisingly wed have to give them a zero or very low score. So talk up - but dont talk over other people, dont be bossy, but just try to get your point across nicely and constructively.

Make sure you know LOTS about the company and job. Nothing is worse than someone who you really wonder why they bothered to turn up because they hardly seem to have researched anything, and why would you employ someone who doesnt even know what they are applying for??

Often interview questions are asking you to describe a past experience to demonstrate a skill you have. So make sure to think of things you have done positively in part time jobs you have - no matter how small. For example did you ever train other staff or deputise for the manager in their absence? Things that make you sound responsible or took intiative for something.

If you have something like a maths test, make sure you brush up on the basics the night before.

If you have to do a presentation, make sure you put it on a format that is allowed. the company I worked for specifically said no Power Point because they didnt have a projector in the place we used to run the centres in - so candididates used large card boards or paper. Another company I did a day for myself, we all had to have our presentation done on Power point - in which case check it a few times and on someone elses computer to make sure it works!! Have paper handout for the assessors so they can see the structure of your presentation and see where its going. Dont talk too fast and try to rush through it.

Try to get there 10 mins early - I was 15 mins late due to problems on the tube and not being able to find the place - thank god they looked past that and gave me a job - but I wouldnt recommend it as I worried about it all day!

Finalv

claire16c wrote: »

I used to run assessment centres for people doing industrial placements as part of their degree (I went on one myself for the same company so knew how the candidates felt!).

If you have to do a group task, make sure you talk! I know that sounds ridiculous but we would have groups of about 6-8 people, and youd often get a couple who would barely say anything - so unsuprisingly wed have to give them a zero or very low score. So talk up - but dont talk over other people, dont be bossy, but just try to get your point across nicely and constructively.

Make sure you know LOTS about the company and job. Nothing is worse than someone who you really wonder why they bothered to turn up because they hardly seem to have researched anything, and why would you employ someone who doesnt even know what they are applying for??

Often interview questions are asking you to describe a past experience to demonstrate a skill you have. So make sure to think of things you have done positively in part time jobs you have - no matter how small. For example did you ever train other staff or deputise for the manager in their absence? Things that make you sound responsible or took intiative for something.

If you have something like a maths test, make sure you brush up on the basics the night before.

If you have to do a presentation, make sure you put it on a format that is allowed. the company I worked for specifically said no Power Point because they didnt have a projector in the place we used to run the centres in - so candididates used large card boards or paper. Another company I did a day for myself, we all had to have our presentation done on Power point - in which case check it a few times and on someone elses computer to make sure it works!! Have paper handout for the assessors so they can see the structure of your presentation and see where its going. Dont talk too fast and try to rush through it.

Try to get there 10 mins early - I was 15 mins late due to problems on the tube and not being able to find the place - thank god they looked past that and gave me a job - but I wouldnt recommend it as I worried about it all day!

Some brilliant advice thankyou!

I spoke to a friend who used to work their and asked how he found the assessment centre. Immediately he reeled off a load of the different tests they do and how to answer them!

Although when it comes to job interviews and preparation is good I guess is it not a bit unfair I have been given the questions I'm going to be asked in advance?