NGDP Cohort 22: tips to prepare for the assessment centre

Here are some useful tips to help you prepare for the day:

Before

• There is no required preparation for the assessment centre but you might feel more comfortable with a broad understanding of local government. A good place to start is the LGA website in general and the Growing Places section in particular.
• Make sure you know where the assessment centre is and how you will get there to avoid any unnecessary stress on the day
• The assessment centre will measure you against our core skills and behaviours – find them all and study them here.
• Try and get a good night’s sleep before the assessment centre – it will be an intense day.

During

• At the assessment centres we look forward to hearing your views on local government and ideas for the future
• The assessment centre will consist of three exercises: a group exercise, an individual briefing exercise and a written analysis exercise.
• Focus on yourself and do the best that you can. You are not competing with the other participants but being marked against a set standard of criteria.
• Each exercise is separate and distinct, so approach each with a positive attitude regardless of how the previous one went.
• Make sure you read all instructions before you start an exercise and don’t hesitate to ask for clarifications if you are unsure of anything.
• You will be assessed in a time pressured environment so make sure you keep an eye on the clock.
• If you get nervous during a presentation, take a moment to gather your thoughts, take a deep breath and then start again.
• During the group exercise you’re not trying to beat the other candidates, you are trying to work together.
• And finally: remember that there is no such thing as a typical ngdp national management trainee. Relax and be yourself – we want to see your passion and your personality!

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