Employers are looking for those candidates who can show evidence of the range of skills and qualities that they are seeking. These will vary according to the job and the employer but will probably include:

• communication;
• interpersonal skills including negotiation and sensitivity;
• listening skills;
• self-confidence;
• time management;
• the ability to work in a team;
• self-motivation;
• decision-making;
• problem solving;
• high standards of achievement.

Different skills will be assessed in different exercises. For example, it is clear that in a group work exercise assessors will be looking for evidence of team working, good time management, and oral communication skills.

Equally in an in-tray/e-tray exercise written communication, planning and analytical skills as well as decision making ability are sought.

Remember: The selectors will be assessing you against a standard and not against each other. It is not a competition that only one can win; if several of you reach the standard, you may all be selected.

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