If you've read our other guides on Telephone and Video interview preparation then this article will contain some repetition but stick with us because there's some crucial pieces that you may miss.

General pointers

Read over your CV and Cover letter

You will likely be asked questions during the interview on your CV or Cover Letter. Have these ready to hand and make sure you are absolutely familiar with what is in them - with the ability to expand on any points made should you be asked.

Do your research

Research the company, the industry and the role that you are applying for.

Often, companies will make their assessment centre group task or presentation something specific to the role that you are applying for.

For instance, when I applied to VWG, I was tasked with creating a presentation for the Volkswagen California, a premium campervan that launched a few years ago in the UK. Having some prior knowledge on the model and having watched a review on it in the past gave me some background intel that I was able to apply in my presentation.

Identify what skills and responsibilities the company is looking for, find a way to include/feature these through your actions throughout the day.

Alongside this, research the news and trends within the industry of the company you are applying for.

Practice

Practice interview and group task exercises with your friends and family and gather constructive criticism. Look out for if you find yourself talking over someone, or if you don't involve one member of the group as much as you would like to.

Gather prior feedback

If you have reached the assessment centre for a company, it is more than likely that you have already completed at least one interview.

You absolutely must ask for feedback from said interview! There will be things that you can incrementally improve and pick up on between different stages in the process.

Apply these in the assessment centre as many of the exercises will be of a similar format to what you have already done.

Water, Water and Water

This is going to be a long day with a lot of speaking involved. Make sure that you have adequate water for the desk, preferably a large bottle or few cups at the ready on your desk.

Do not use your phone

A very very simple point of guidance is to just simply not use your phone at any point throughout the day.

When you are in tasks, of course, your full attention should be on the task at hand and listening to what others may have to say.

If you are not in an active session, you should be contributing to conversation and being attentive throughout.

If an assessor spots you on your phone for even a moment - they may note this and take it into consideration. Put it away!

Don't get overwhelmed and focus on you

There is going to be some great talent on show at these assessment centres. Don't let it overwhelm or distract you from giving your best impression possible.

Often, the biggest characters can actually come across as too overbearing so just be yourself!

Not only this - but there are often multiple roles on offer. So if you do notice one candidate shining, take what they are doing on board but don't give up hope!

Position yourself somewhere quiet without disturbances

You will be moving between breakout rooms and into different tasks and scenarios throughout the day, you don't want to have to be moving between booked pods in the library or anything of that nature so ensure that you find somewhere quiet where you won't be disturbed.

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