Guide
Assessment centres can play an important role in the recruitment of certain roles, particularly in Early Careers. Here we offer some guidance to help maximise your chances of success.
Much the same as when you first applied, it’s so important to research Gateley and what we do before going into your assessment (consider that it may have been some time since you made your initial application). Think about researching the areas of law we specialise in, our structure, our values and any recent notable work the firm may have been involved in.
If it’s an in-person assessment centre, ensure you arrive at least 10-15 minutes before the scheduled start time, set off in plenty of time so that you’re not in a hurry and needing to rush. If it’s a virtual assessment centre, make sure you’re logged on and ready to go around 5-10 minutes before the first session and test your IT equipment before the day.
In a virtual assessment centre, please ensure you are able to focus in a quiet environment with no distractions. We do appreciate that things can happen unexpectedly (cue doorbell ringing or dog barking), but try to minimise this as much as possible and wherever you can or need to, ask somebody else to deal with distractions if they occur. Think also about how you present yourself and ask yourself how you would dress if you were doing this as a face-to-face assessment centre. Being virtual doesn’t mean that how you present yourself will not be noticed. For in-person assessment centres, think about your presentation and how that will come across to others, you want to present the best version of yourself at all times.
Make sure you read all the information given to you in advance of the day, but not only this, it’s really important to know any current news or updates from the firm so your knowledge can be as relevant and timely as possible. Commercial awareness is paramount.
There are so many resources available to you on the internet and we’d advise that you perhaps look at some practice questions and exercises before the day so that you feel as prepared as you can Naturally you won’t know what will be asked of you during the day itself, however the internet/ careers services/ early careers teams etc. can help you to prepare as much as possible and may give you a better idea of what to expect. Think about what a law firm may be looking for in terms of skills and competencies and this will help you to think about what may be asked during your assessments.
On the day you’ll have access to our current trainees, partners and early careers team so please come armed with any questions you may have. Certainly as part of your interview at the end of the day, we will expect you to be asking the interviewers relevant questions.
If one element of the day hasn’t gone as well as you’d hoped, please try not to worry too much and remember, there are a number of assessments across the day where you can make this up. Try not to let it affect your performance in other exercises, everyone has their own strengths and some parts just may not be yours.
It may sound silly to say, but do try to enjoy yourself and get as much out of the day as you can. This is not only a chance for us to get to know you as an individual, but is an opportunity for you to get to know Gateley and what we’re about. Be yourself, be unique and be honest.