Assessment Preparation

Excelling in assessments

In today’s competitive job market, assessments and task-based exercises are often a core part of the interview process. Employers use these tools to gauge your problem-solving abilities, technical skills, and how well you fit the role's requirements. Whether you’re preparing for a skills test as a graduate, a case study as a solicitor, or a strategic exercise as an executive, being well-prepared is essential. This guide offers strategies and tips to help you approach any assessment with confidence and competence.

• Skills-Based Assessments: These tests evaluate specific skills relevant to the role. They can range from coding challenges for tech roles to writing samples for communications positions.
• Case Studies: Common for roles that involve analysis or strategy, case studies present real-world problems to solve. Candidates for roles like consulting, legal, and business development may encounter these.
• Situational Judgement Tests (SJTs): Often used to assess decision-making and ethical judgement, SJTs present scenarios that measure how you might handle workplace situations. These are popular for roles in management and client-facing positions.
• Personality and Psychometric Tests: These assessments measure personality traits, work style, and cognitive abilities. They are often used alongside other tasks to understand if your personality aligns with the company culture.
• Task-Based Exercises: Typically required for technical and senior roles, task-based exercises simulate real work scenarios, like creating a financial report, conducting a market analysis, or solving a complex logistics problem.

• Skills-Based Assessments:
  • Practice: Familiarise yourself with the specific skills required. Online practice tests or refresher courses can be very helpful.
  • Understand the Format: Check whether the assessment will be timed or untimed and adjust your practice accordingly.
  • Gather Resources: Have necessary tools, such as software or reference materials, prepared in advance to avoid last-minute scrambling.
• Case Studies:
  • Analyse Sample Cases: Review examples of case studies similar to what you might encounter, as they provide insight into structuring your response and breaking down problems.
  • Structure Your Approach: Start with defining the problem, outlining possible solutions, analysing pros and cons, and recommending a course of action.
  • Stay Calm Under Pressure: Many case studies are designed to see how you think on your feet. Practice staying calm and logical, even with limited information.
• Situational Judgement Tests (SJTs):
  • Understand the Role Requirements: Consider the core competencies and values relevant to the position. This helps you choose responses that reflect both good judgement and company alignment.
  • Answer Honestly: SJTs often test for consistency, so avoid trying to give answers you think the employer wants. Instead, respond naturally to ensure alignment between your values and the company's culture.
• Personality and Psychometric Tests:
  • Familiarise Yourself with Common Tests: Many online resources provide examples of the most widely used psychometric tests.
  • Be Yourself: Personality tests are designed to gauge your natural responses. Answer honestly, as consistency across answers is crucial to presenting a reliable profile.
  • Manage Your Time: Some psychometric tests are timed. Practice similar tests in timed settings to build comfort and pace yourself.
• Task-Based Exercises:
  • Simulate Real Work Scenarios: If you're given a task-based exercise, practice completing similar tasks to the role. For example, marine charterers might review contracts, while solicitors may examine case studies.
  • Break Down the Task: Outline each step involved and prioritise based on task requirements. Focus on quality over quantity, especially if limited time is a factor.
  • Prepare a Brief Explanation: Be ready to explain your thought process during or after completing the task. Employers appreciate understanding why you made specific choices or used certain approaches.

• Pace Yourself: Before starting, allocate a specific amount of time to each task or question to avoid getting bogged down.
• Practice Mindfulness Techniques: Simple breathing exercises can help calm nerves, allowing you to stay focused and maintain clarity.
• Simulate the Environment: If your assessment is remote, set up a quiet, distraction-free space. For in-person assessments, try rehearsing in an environment that resembles an office or professional setting.

• Review Instructions Carefully: Assessments often come with detailed instructions. Read these thoroughly to understand any specific requirements or time limits.
• Gather Relevant Materials: Make sure you have any necessary tools, software, or documents at hand, as some assessments may be open-book.
• Ask Questions if Permitted: Don’t hesitate to clarify any unclear instructions. Employers often value candidates who ensure they understand a task before starting.

Assessments and task-based interviews offer an opportunity to showcase your skills, problem-solving approach, and suitability for the role. By understanding the type of assessment you’re facing and practising relevant strategies, you can approach each task confidently. Remember, preparation is key to standing out, so use these tips to maximise your performance and present yourself as a strong candidate. With thoughtful preparation, you’ll be well-equipped to handle any assessment or task-based exercise that comes your way.