Assessment Tips

If you are asked to take part in an assessment then here are some top tips to help you do your very best.

Before the assessment

Make sure you understand what assessments you will be sitting and what they are measuring.
If you consider yourself to have a disability let the recruiter know in advance so that they can make adjustments with your assessment if and where possible.

Practice & preparation

Practice, as the popular saying goes, makes perfect. According to research practicing significantly improves performance. Practicing could help in improving your confidence, becoming familiar with the exercises and knowing what to expect as well as having a clear head on the day. It is important to:

Find a quiet place work where you are unlikely to be disturbed. It is important to concentrate.
Clear any distractions e.g. turn your phone off or ask your family/friends not to disturb you
Conduct as many practice sessions as you can over a period of weeks or months as opposed to doing preparation in one hit. This will help in learning and retaining the information better.
Have a watch or clock to time how quickly you work. This may help in simulating the pressures that you may face during an actual assessment tool.
Try to work as quickly and accurately as you can.
Review your answers when you finish and see where you can improve.

The day before

If you are attending a face-to-face assessment then choose your outfit the night before
Get plenty of sleep and avoid alcohol consumption.
Again, if you are attending an assessment, plan your journey, aiming to arrive at least 15 minutes early.

On the day

Eat a good, healthy breakfast.
Avoid too much caffeine and energy drinks, drink water instead. According to research water aids mental function.
If you need to wear glasses for reading please ensure you bring them with you to do the tests/exercises.
If you are asked to bring any paperwork with you to the day then remember to do so (e.g. proof of ID, address etc).
Aim to arrive earlier that the specified time to allow for delays such as train cancellations or getting lost.
If you are completing an online assessment, ensure that you have good internet connection and you are free from distractions.

During the assessment

Read the instructions carefully and complete all example questions. If you misinterpret the instructions you might answer the questions incorrectly.
If you are having a face-to-face assessment, make sure you ask the assessor questions if there is anything you are unsure about. Ask questions before the assessment begins as the assessor is not allowed to answer any questions during the assessment.
Be yourself when taking part in a role play or group exercise. Don’t fake your behaviour/actions. If you try to guess what the assessors are looking for there and so fake your behaviour/actions you may be wrong.
Work as quickly but as accurately as you can.
If you finish earlier then go back to double check your answers.
Do not dwell on any mistakes, instead concentrate on performing well in the next task

After the assessment