How do I prepare
for an assessment?
An assessment consists of various tests, (sometimes) role plays, and interviews (with a psychologist). The tests often include aptitude tests (also known as skill tests; these measure your intelligence) and questionnaires about your personality (for example, how you react to stress and how you work in a team).
Aptitude test assessment
For this type of test, think of number sequences, spatial reasoning, analogies, mental arithmetic, and the like. You can practice these tests in advance to score well on them. Practicing doesn’t increase your intelligence, but it’s important to understand how the tests work—practice really does make perfect. In addition, you simply get more skilled at it. Here you’ll find a useful site where you can take aptitude tests.
Personality questionnaires
With these questionnaires, it’s not about right or wrong answers. It’s about gaining insight into you as a person. There are always control questions included, making it difficult to present yourself very differently from who you are. It can’t hurt to practice such a test. You’ll get an idea of what it looks like and which questions may be asked. A well-known test is the ‘Big Five’.
Role play assessment
Depending on the position, a role play may be used. In a role play, a work situation is simulated. You are assessed by ‘assessors’. They observe how you behave in a particular situation, using the list of competencies needed for the role (vacancy). They judge you on each competency. By simulating certain scenarios, they try to predict how you will actually respond in the future. Sometimes you’ll need to give a presentation, deliver bad news, or attend a meeting, with or without other candidates for the same position. Common assessment exercises include:
- Giving a presentation about a specific case
- Delivering bad news / performance review conversations
- Group discussion
- Conducting analysis / fact finding
- Meeting role play
- Written assignments
You will often do the role plays with an actor. The actor might play a difficult staff member with whom you need to have an exit or performance discussion. Try not to make yourself seem better than you are. A well-trained assessor will see through that easily.
Interview
A possible third part of an assessment is the interview. Here, you’ll have a conversation with a psychologist who will ask you various questions about your ambitions, competencies, work history, etc. You can prepare for this as you would for a job interview. So, read your resume again, know your strengths and areas for improvement, and think of compelling examples to demonstrate your competencies. Make sure you can clearly explain your career path and the choices you have made along the way.
These are our tips
Everyone has their own way of preparing: there is no single best method. One person likes to know exactly what to expect, while another thrives in exciting and unfamiliar situations. However, there are a number of practical general tips that are useful for everyone. These can be found below.
- Prepare carefully
Make sure you know what to expect from the assessment. Which different components are there (competency, intelligence)? Which are important for you? Practice the tests on a website or from a booklet to get a feel for them. Identify your strengths and areas for improvement. With good preparation, you can face the assessment with confidence. - Get your career and CV in order
The interview during the assessment may partially repeat your job interview. Psychologists use your career data to get a picture of your personality and ambitions. It’s about the big picture, not the details. - Personality tests
When filling out personality questionnaires, it’s mainly about your gut reaction. Try not to overthink your choices; your first intuition is usually best. Don’t waste time trying to figure out patterns or aiming for consistency in your answers. The questions may seem similar, but they differ significantly. So trust your first impression. - Be well rested
The assessment is a demanding day, requiring much energy and stamina. So make sure you get a good night’s sleep. - Positive attitude and physical fitness!
Good preparation starts with a positive mindset and physical fitness. On such a day, your energy and resilience will also be tested. - Be honest
Don’t give socially desirable answers. Just be honest. It’s about you and how you function in certain situations. Honesty will take you further. - Just be yourself!
Don’t oversell yourself, as you might in a job interview. It’s important to present an honest picture of yourself. Only then will the advisor’s feedback truly benefit you. - Dress appropriately
Psychologists see you as a potential representative of the organization you want to work for. Your appearance reflects this. So dress as if you could represent the intended organization. - Use the assessment as a learning opportunity!
The advisor who conducted your assessment and wrote your report has studied you closely. Be open and try to learn from the feedback based on the interview, tests, and other assignments. Ask him/her for improvement points and how to work on your weaknesses, or ask how you can make better use of your strengths. - Utilize the feedback!
The feedback session with your advisor after the assessment can provide a lot of useful information.
An assessment provides insight into your motivations, interests, abilities, behavior, and talents. With this knowledge, you can better steer your career, and ultimately do what you’re good at and enjoy.
