Assessment centres involve multiple activities over a long day. Preparation needs to be just as structured. This checklist helps you work through what to prepare in the week before, what to bring on the day, and what to do after.
The week before
Re-read the employer's website and values. Review any materials they sent you. Practise a group exercise with a friend if possible. Rehearse your presentation if you have been asked to prepare one. Prepare your STAR examples and practise them out loud. Prepare two or three questions to ask. Plan your travel or technology setup.
The day before
Lay out or prepare what you are wearing. Charge your devices. Print any documents you may need. Confirm the location and arrival time. Read any briefing documents you have been sent. Get a good night's sleep.
On the day
Arrive or log in early. Be professional and engaged during every activity, including breaks and informal conversations — assessors may be watching at any point. Listen carefully to instructions. Ask for clarification if needed. Take brief notes during briefing periods. Do not discuss your performance with other candidates between activities.
After the assessment centre
Send a polite thank-you email to the recruiter. Write up what went well and what you would improve for next time. Even if you are not successful, the experience builds your preparation for future assessment centres.
Checklist
- Re-read the employer website and values
- Review any materials sent in advance
- Practise group exercise participation
- Rehearse your presentation out loud
- Prepare STAR examples for competency interview
- Prepare two or three questions to ask assessors
- Plan your journey or technology setup
- Charge all devices
- Arrive or log in early on the day
- Send a follow-up thank-you email afterwards
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not preparing for the written or case study exercise
- Treating informal breaks as off-the-record
- Discussing performance with other candidates between activities
- Forgetting to send a follow-up email