- Sep 7, 2024
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I’m really sorry you’re feeling this way, but I just want to remind you that getting to the assessment center stage multiple times is a huge achievement in itself. It means your applications are strong, and firms are seeing potential in you! It's absolutely normal to feel like you're doing everything right and still not getting the outcome you want, especially when feedback feels minor or hard to act on.
One thing I personally struggled with was communicating my experiences orally. Writing them down on paper was fine, but articulating them during an interview or assessment center was much harder. What really helped me was practicing my responses aloud, sometimes in front of a mirror or with a friend. It made me more comfortable speaking about my experiences clearly and concisely, and over time, I found it easier to express my thoughts in a confident and structured way.
Another thing that helped me was taking a step back to reflect on whether there’s a pattern in my rejections. It can be really useful to think about specific aspects of the assessments, like how you approach certain exercises or your responses to particular types of questions. Sometimes, identifying small areas for improvement can make a big difference for the next time. For me, I got a really big cardboard and pinned out things I was doing right and things I knew I could certainly be better on. This gave me some sort of direction, and I frequently referred to it before an AC.
The fact that you’ve made it to 4 ACs is evidence that your hard work is paying off. The last stage is the hardest, and sometimes it just comes down to the tiniest details that might separate one candidate from another, whether it's how you communicate under pressure, how you handle unexpected challenges, etc.
If you’re feeling stuck, it could also help to get a fresh perspective on your approach, whether that’s practicing with peers, revising your technique, or getting feedback from a mentor.
Don’t lose confidence. It's a process that takes time, and you're gaining invaluable experience along the way. Stay persistent, and eventually, all of your hard work will pay off. You've got this!
