Why Most Applicants Fail Degree Apprenticeship Assessment Centres (And How to Be the Exception)
Picture this.
You’ve created the perfect CV and cover letter that has you sailing through the screening process.
Then, you absolutely wow the manager as they launch questions at you during the interview.
You’ve got it in the bag, you think. Nobody will get this role except me. Send over the contract already!
Then comes the assessment centre. The final hurdle before degree apprenticeship success.
But then, it hits you.
You’re not going to be assessed the whole day by 1 examiner. It'll be 10.
You’re going to be thrown into group tasks and teams that you’ve never met..
You’re going to be interviewed again. But this time, it's by 2 people..
And on top of that…
You’re up against 20 other candidates, who the company consider all good enough for the role. Before you know it, your confidence has shrunk down into an atom and you’re thinking you won’t make the cut.
There’s no kidding that assessment centres are super scary. But, learning how to make the small following changes will drastically improve your chances of success.
1.) Dress the Part
Appearance, appearance, appearance. First impressions are really important, so make it count. Dressing properly for the assessment centre shows that you're professional and respect the process. You'll also feel good knowing you won't be looking out of place.
Here’s How to Nail It:
Research the company dress code. Look at the company’s website, LinkedIn, or employee testimonials to see how their staff usually dress. Then try to copy this.
Go for business professional or smart casual. Unless told otherwise, clothes like a suit or shirt will do. But dress smarter for roles in finance, for example.
Avoid distractions. Make sure your clothes are clean and wrinkle free. You want the employer to focus on you, not the dandruff on your collar.
Check out what these look like!
Pro Tip: Confidence starts with feeling good in what you wear. Try your outfit on before the big day to make sure everything fits and looks sharp.
Watch out! If it's a virtual assessment centre, it can be tempting to only dress smart at the top, and leave your PJ trousers on. Don't do this though - the worst thing that can happen in your interview is needing to stand up and deal with a distraction from your pet. And you're wearing your Buzz Lightyear trousers.
In.
Full.
View.
Of your interviewers.
Don't do it!
2.) Practice, practice, practice
Practice, practice, practice. We'll say it again. PRACTICE!
Preparation is your secret weapon to any degree apprenticeship assessment centre. Knowing what is likely going to come will make you less nervous, and will help you stay calm under pressure. Some key things to practice are group discussions, presentations and interviews, especially if you're a shy person.
How to Practice:
Group Discussions: Get into groups with friends or family and simulate discussions. Come up with a goal or fake project, and practice contributing ideas and steering the conversation.
Presentations: Learn how to make a good presentation, and deliver it to a group of friends or your family. Focus on speaking clearly, as well as your structure.
Interviews: You'll probably be interviewed by more than one person. Make sure you practice answering questions with your school mentor, family or friends. Focus on rehearsing your answers.
3. Seek Advice from Degree Apprentice Insiders
Want to do something that most of your competition won't do? Talk to others!
Speaking to current degree apprentices or employees can give you golden insights into what to expect. They’ve walked in your shoes and can share tips that you won’t find in any guidebook.
How to Find Insiders:
LinkedIn: Search for current or former apprentices at the company and connect with them. Send a polite message asking for advice or insights about their experience.
Forums and Communities: Reddit and The Student Room have many forums and discussions about all things degree apprenticeships.
Company Events: Prepare a bank of questions and attend open days or networking events to meet employees and get their perspective.
Pro Tip: When reaching out, be specific about what you’d like to know. For example: “What skills do you think helped you stand out during the assessment centre?”
4. Deliver Pre-Work Like A Degree Apprentice
It's really common to be given pre-work by the company before you attend your assessment centre. Sometimes, it'll be a project or a presentation you'll have to deliver. Here is a golden opportunity to demonstrate your potential to the employer.
When you do this work, act like you've already been hired by the company as a degree apprentice. You've just been given a new project. Ensure you:
If it's a presentation, make it unique, pleasant, and reflect the company's branding. Make sure you use brand colours to show attention to detail.
Put the extra effort into your work. If it's a business proposal, get some more data to back up your case. Working hard on this pre-work will supercharge your chances of success!
Deliver early before the deadline! Managers love it when work is delivered early before deadlines. This helps projects move forward quickly, and makes everyone's lives easier.
Present yourself as a proactive, motivated and hard working individual who deserves this degree apprenticeship.
Conclusion: Be the Exception
Assessment centres may seem scary, but they’re also a golden opportunity to show employers what you’re made of. By dressing properly, preparing thoroughly, seeking insider advice, and mastering time management, you can stand out from the competition and prove you’re the perfect candidate for the role.
Ready to ace your next assessment centre? Start preparing today, and let Apprentice Launchpad guide you every step of the way.
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