Bring your best self to Assessment Day: Our recruiter tips
Josh Perta from our Talent Acquisition team has helped countless Students find their fit with Deloitte. A big part of your application experience will be taking part in one of our Assessment Days – either in person or virtually. Here are Josh’s top tips to help you feel confident as you progress through the process.
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Assessment Day can feel like a big moment. You’ve put in the work to figure out where you fit, submitted your application, completed your digital assessment and now finally you’re in the room (or on the screen) with other candidates and key members of our team. It’s exciting – and yes, it’s normal to feel a few nerves!
So, how do you bring your strengths and personality to the assessment day? To get the most of the experience, and ensure you’re putting your best foot forward, here are my best tips to guide you.
1. Be fully present
Assessment Days move quickly. There might be group exercises, interviews, case discussions, or problem-solving tasks. The candidates who do well are the ones who are genuinely present. It sounds simple, but trust me - it’s powerful.
Being present means:
- Listening carefully to instructions
- Taking a moment to think before answering
- Paying attention to what others are saying
Active listening is key. Make sure you understand the question before you respond. If you need clarification, it’s completely okay to ask. We’re looking for thoughtful responses, and there’s no need to rush.
When you’re present, your answers are clearer, more structured and more
impactful.
2. Show us how you work in a team
In group activities, especially, we’re not looking for the loudest person in the room. We’re looking for people who can collaborate.
Being a strong team player might look like:
- Encouraging others to share their ideas
- Building on someone else’s point
- Helping the group stay on track
- Balancing speaking and listening
Ultimately, we’re hiring people who will work in teams every day. So we’re observing how you interact, communicate, and contribute to shared outcomes.
You don’t need to dominate the discussion; it’s important to focus on ways to contribute meaningfully.
3. Talk about your achievements
This is your moment to highlight what you’ve done. No need to be shy!
Whether it’s leading a university project, working part-time, volunteering, playing sport, or juggling multiple commitments – it all counts.
Sometimes candidates hold back because they think their achievements aren’t “big enough.” But impact isn’t always about scale. It’s about what you learned, how you grew, and the results you achieved.
Be clear about:
- The situation
- What you were responsible for
- The outcome
Don’t assume we’ll connect the dots for you. Help us see your strengths.
4. Be yourself!
This one matters more than you might think. It’s very clear when someone is trying to be who they think we want them to be. The strongest candidates are the ones who show up as themselves.
Your personality, perspective and experiences are part of what you bring to the role. We’re not looking for one “type” of person. We’re looking for capable, thoughtful individuals who are ready to learn and contribute.
So let your natural communication style come through. Share your genuine interests. Speak about your experiences in your own voice.
A final note
You’ve already done something right to reach Assessment Day. Try to see
it as a two-way experience. It’s a chance for us to get to know you, and foryou to get a feel for the team and the work.
Prepare well. Get a good night’s sleep. Arrive ready to engage.
And most importantly, back yourself. We’re looking forward to meeting
you!
- Josh
Exciting careers start here.
Applying to Deloitte isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being prepared, curious, and genuine. If you’re ready to kickstart your career and make an impact that matters, explore our graduate opportunities and apply now.
Explore and learn more about our Student & Graduate program here.
