Why 90% Fail at Assessment Centre Written Tasks & How YOU Can Succeed!

Nov 30, 2023

Written By Emily Hindle

Picture this: a bright, aspiring solicitor, palms sweaty, staring at a blank page, pen poised in hand. The pressure mounts as they grapple with a written task that could determine the direction of their career. This scenario is all too familiar to those facing the daunting challenge of assessment centre written tasks. In this article, we delve into the reasons why 90% fail at assessment centre written tasks, and how you can defy the odds and emerge victorious!

Why are assessment centre written tasks so important?

Assessment centre written tasks serve as an important trial, testing a candidate's ability to communicate effectively, think analytically, and demonstrate attention to detail. These tasks are integral to the hiring process, carefully crafted to identify the best candidates for a role within the firm.

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What are some common mistakes leading to failure?

Before we delve into some strategies for success, it is essential to understand why many stumble at the written task hurdle. Common pitfalls include lack of proofreading, nervousness, overthinking, and uncertainty about what to write under pressure. All too often excellent candidates are disqualified or fail at this stage of applications, but understanding these pitfalls is the first step towards overcoming them!

Understanding the assessment criteria

To succeed at these tasks, it is essential to understand what assessors are looking for. Some examples of written assessments could include being asked to draft a letter to a client or summarise a bundle of materials into a report. These tasks are designed to test your time management skills, precise grammar and spelling, and strong attention to detail to name a few, so a deep understanding of the assessment criteria is essential to success.

The research phase

The research phase is the foundation upon which a successful written response is built. You will be given a lot of information, much of which will not be relevant to your response, so a strong attention to detail is key! When preparing for these tasks reading from academic journals, reputable websites, and industry reports are a great place to start. The real emphasis of these tasks is on the quality of what you write, so ensuring that you critically evaluate all your sources is extremely important.

Structuring your response

A well-structured response will help in the clarity and comprehension of your answer. This you could do by creating an introduction, organising the body of your answer logically in paragraphs, and concluding effectively. Understanding and implementing this structure is a key aspect of excelling in assessment centre written tasks.

Writing your response

When crafting your response to these tasks it’s important to consider your grammar, style of writing and tone throughout. Pay close attention to the intended audience (be this a member of a legal team, or non-legal executive) and tailor your response accordingly to showcase your adaptability and effective written communication.

Proofreading and editing

The importance of final proofreading and editing should not be underestimated. It is essential to help eliminate errors and enhance professionalism. Check your work as you go, and practise scanning for mistakes in spelling and grammar as part of your preparation. Excellent presentation of your work will really leave a lasting impression.

Managing your time

Time is a precious commodity in assessment centre tasks, and effective time management is non-negotiable. You might like to start by allocating your time for research, drafting, writing, and editing before you begin. Sticking to a time plan will help you feel confident during the assessment and is a great skill to practise ahead.

Overcoming some common challenges

Challenges are expected but overcoming them is the mark of a resilient candidate. Take a breath and even give yourself 30 seconds to focus: written clarity is an important part of the task so taking time to clear your mind is not time wasted. Complete some practise tasks ahead of time and apply the skills from your previous academic experience, and there is no reason you shouldn’t approach these tasks with confidence.

Practice really does make perfect

This saying really does hold true! Make practising written tasks a regular part of your preparatory routine to hone your skills and focus. When you complete them, ask for feedback from mentors, peers, or online communities to help you improve each time.

To conclude, mastering assessment centre written tasks requires a combination of knowledge, skills, and strategic preparation. By avoiding common mistakes, understanding assessment criteria, conducting thorough research, and mastering the art of structuring and writing responses, you can beat the odds and succeed at landing your dream role.

Selection & Assessment