Advice on assessments

Assessment Advice

Applying for jobs and going through the recruitment and assessment process can be daunting, but there are several actions you can take to give yourself the best chance of success. Employers need to assess you against your peer group but remember that you need to make a choice here too – take the opportunity to ask questions and be sure that if you are offered a role, it is the kind of place you want to work.

Take a look at our advice for each stage of the recruitment process and good luck!

Before Applying

Spend some time carefully evaluating whether the job is really suitable for you by asking yourself the following questions:

• What are the demands and rewards offered by the job?

• What does the job offer me in terms of my career prospects and interests?

• Look at the organisation - do I think their values and image are ones that I feel comfortable with?

When Applying

• Apply in the format which the company requests, e.g. application forms or CV.

• Follow the instructions carefully.

• Include any information specifically asked for.

• Make your achievements and skills clear (this is not a place for modesty).

• Know yourself; draw up a list of your strengths and weaknesses in relation to the job.

• Ensure that you can describe yourself and your experiences in and out of work – be prepared to give examples of particular skills

Before the Assessment

If you have special requirements, make sure the employer understands these as early as possible

• Make sure you understand what assessments you will be taking and what they will tell the employer about your fit to the job or role.

• Prepare yourself fully using the facilities at www.shldirect.com

• Think through what your strengths and weaknesses are - this will be important for the interview.

During the Assessment

Assessors will be looking to see how you perform on the exercises themselves, rather than how well you understand the instructions so listen carefully to the instructions you are given. Don't be afraid to ask if you are unsure about what you have to do.

If the assessment involves interviews, team exercises or role-playing, recognise your non-verbal signals such as eye contact, facial expression, and gestures.

Don’t make assumptions about the way you should respond. If you try and guess what the assessors are looking for, you may be wrong. It is usually best to be yourself, and respond honestly. Remember that it’s not in your interest to get a job to which you are not well suited.

If there is more than one exercise, you will have plenty of opportunities to show what you can do. If you feel you have performed poorly on one exercise, don’t give up. Your performance on all of them will be taken into account.

After the Assessment

Many organisations will offer you feedback, regardless of whether or not you are successful. This may give you an insight into your strengths and areas for improvement as well as your future development. If feedback is not offered, ask if it can be made available.