sales manager assessment day

[Sarah.X]

My Friends - Im in desperate need of your professional help ! ....

I have a 1 day assessment coming up over the next few days for a FANTASTIC opportunity of a job within a dynamic sales force. The evening before our assessment we are all to meet for an Late Supper - Followed by an early start at 7am the next day (all day) assessment. Could anyone with relevant knowledge/experience PLEASE be so kind as to giving me any tips or pointers in the key areas i should be focussed on and what their thoughts/opinions are on the whole based on past & similar experiences ?
Many Thank's, Sarah. x

[Trotbot]

Our company runs assessment centres to recruit consultants (which involves some selling, but mainly delivery and teamwork). They will have assessors around who will look for key points (how well you mix, how assertive you are, ability to converse, body language, dress sense, behaviour (don't get drunk and start telling jokes), professionalism)

It's about striking the right balance. One of the most intimidation situations I find,a nd a lot of others, is a room full of strangers, but they will be looking for confident people to introduce themselves and balance listening and talking. Ask people open questions, get them talking.

Also, keep track of the time. The full day will be very intense, and so you need to sleep, but don't be the first to bed, and certainly not the last. Have at least two alarms to get you up. Being male, I cannot offer any advice on clothes, other than when we assess, most assessors look for professional (tailored suit) rather than anything too red.

[Dizzieblonde]

Take plenty of smart clothes, and an iron if you're stopping at a hotel overnight. The Late Supper sounds a bit posh to me, so take something nice to wear and a bit of make-up (a bit, mind!) in the back of your car or wherever. Don't get drunk at the meal, try to maintain an air of calm and sophistication, and get up in plenty of time for the morning session - coffee and Pro-Plus will probably help!

You'll be knackered by the end of it, but it'll be worth it if you can grin and bear it. Best of luck! x

[CLOWN TICKLE]

From an incident related in the Ipswich Management Job Club

A man applied for a position with the Fire Brigade in Suffolk and was asked to meet for a breakfast at seven in the morning and that he would be assessed all day and stay overnight. They were given various tests and were watched all day. It was then night time and a meal was provided and a free bar, they were assessing them all evening, at 10.50 they thanked everyone for attending and announced that the next morning they would have to give a 15 minute talk on a subject given to them

This gentleman was asked to speak on the relevance of the united nations, he thought about it and remembering the time difference phoned the UN Building for info using his Credit Card to pay for a report, they faxed it to him, relaxed and calm he picked it up from reception and started to speak by saying

I have been asked to talk to you on the relevance of the united nations and I have here a faxed copy of a report they have written.....

He got the job