Crushing Virtual Assessment Centres: My Top Tips!

Hey everyone, I wanted to share some thoughts on virtual assessment centres, as I know a lot of grad schemes and entry-level roles are still using them. I've been through a few now, and honestly, they can feel a bit daunting at first compared to in-person ones, but I've picked up a few things that really helped me out. First off, **tech prep is HUGE**. This sounds obvious, but seriously, get it sorted. If you're sharing Wi-Fi, try to politely negotiate with housemates or family for a few hours of prime internet real estate. Nothing worse than your connection dropping mid-group exercise! Make sure your laptop/device is fully charged and have your charger right there. Also, do a sound and video check well in advance. I even did a mock call with a friend to make sure my lighting was okay and my background wasn't too distracting (no old band posters, haha!). Most platforms let you hide your own video feed, which can be a lifesaver if seeing yourself makes you self-conscious. Next, **understand the format**. Virtual ACs are often a bit shorter, usually 2-3 hours, and they tend to have fewer candidates. This can actually be a good thing as it means more opportunity to speak up. You'll likely get a detailed brief beforehand – read it cover to cover! It'll usually tell you what exercises to expect, what skills they're looking for, and even technical instructions. For group tasks, remember to actively participate. It can be tricky to jump in virtually, so don't be afraid to use the 'raise hand' function or politely interject. And make sure you're showing engagement through non-verbal cues too – nodding and smiling can make a big difference when you're on screen. It's also harder to get a feel for the company culture when you're not physically there. So, prepare some thoughtful questions for any Q&A or interview segments. Instead of asking 'Why should I work for you?', try something like 'What do you enjoy most about working here?' or 'How does the team foster collaboration in a hybrid environment?' – it comes across much better and gets you the info you need. Finally, don't panic if something goes wrong with the tech. It happens to everyone, and recruiters are usually very understanding. Just communicate clearly if you have an issue. And practice! If you have a presentation, run it through with friends over video chat to get feedback. Has anyone else found virtual assessment centres to be a completely different ball game? What are your top tips?