[GdotL]

Also, they said we'd only get the results of who's gotten through to the second AC after a month

[TheForeverStudent]

Hi everyone!

I've been watching this thread since applying so thanks for all your comments and musings!

I'm going to the assessment centre in Coventry on Friday morning eek. I'm going to wear a suit because, even if it is just a test, there will be people from the LGA there and I want to make a good impression (I also like wearing suits!). Also, after hearing that the NGDP tweeted someone to recommend a suit, it would be silly to not go in formalwear!

I'm not really going to prepare for it... after all, they said in the email that no preparation is necessary and I doubt they will be trying to trick us?!

Anyway... good luck everyone!

[comeluckyapril]

Just to add my thoughts for anyone who's worried about what to wear - I actually phoned and spoke to someone as the email seemed so vague. Chap on the phone was nice enough though a little confusing, he said to wear a suit as it is a formal assessment centre, but then it doesn't matter as no-one will be judging you on what you're wearing, but then finished the conversation with 'dress formally'.

So I'll be erring on the side of caution (as I have with all ACs so far!) and wearing a full skirt suit, black, with jacket, plain cream top, hair up, the works. I've never felt out of place, and indeed have mostly thanked my lucky stars I haven't turned up in chinos (boys) or skinny trousers, socks and strappy heels (one girl, seriously) to find everyone else dressed in dark suits. I couldn't imagine anything more off-putting than wishing the ground would swallow me up and feeling out of place all day!

Anyone going to Coventry for the afternoon session on Friday 13th?

[comeluckyapril]

Ooooh also I have a question. They allow up to £50 towards transport costs, and due to the fact my car died a death two days ago I'm going to have to get the train. Google maps informs me that the hotel in Coventry is at least a 50 minute walk away. There's no way my train tickets are going to come to anything approaching £50, do you reckon if I got a receipt from the taxi driver they'd refund that too?

A big part of me (I walk EVERYWHERE) feels like I'm being lazy and a taxi is a massive luxury so I shouldn't expect them to refund it, but also I don't fancy almost an hour-long walk before the big event!

[Rach_123]

Does anyone know how many more stages there are after the written exam?

Thanks
Rachel

[ajs12345]

(Original post by Rach_123)
Does anyone know how many more stages there are after the written exam?

Thanks
Rachel

I believe there is a whole assessment centre day, followed by authority interviews, though you can still fail following this final interview.

[lscib]

is anyone doing the afternoon session in coventry want to share a taxi from the train station?

[rainbow drops]

(Original post by ajs12345)
I believe there is a whole assessment centre day, followed by authority interviews, though you can still fail following this final interview.

Where did you get this info, or is it just assumed from last year's recruitment process? I'm really confused, because I thought that there would be a whole assessment centre day for those who pass the first AC test, but the website seems to suggest otherwise because it only mentions one AC:

"We will have contacted all applicants regarding the first stage of the ngdp by friday 9th March 2012
If your application is successful you will be invited to an assessment centre in April 2012.
There will then be a round of interviews in May / June 2012 to decide the final intake."

I really wish there was a little more, er, clarity and organisation to this whole thing

[ajs12345]

(Original post by rainbow drops)
Where did you get this info, or is it just assumed from last year's recruitment process? I'm really confused, because I thought that there would be a whole assessment centre day for those who pass the first AC test, but the website seems to suggest otherwise because it only mentions one AC:

"We will have contacted all applicants regarding the first stage of the ngdp by friday 9th March 2012
If your application is successful you will be invited to an assessment centre in April 2012.
There will then be a round of interviews in May / June 2012 to decide the final intake."

I really wish there was a little more, er, clarity and organisation to this whole thing

It's more an assumption. There are two AC stages (with stage one being done at the moment), and almost definitely the final interview with the selected authority.

This just seems the logical way forward based on previous years and the info this year...

[GdotL]

(Original post by rainbow drops)
Where did you get this info, or is it just assumed from last year's recruitment process? I'm really confused, because I thought that there would be a whole assessment centre day for those who pass the first AC test, but the website seems to suggest otherwise because it only mentions one AC:

"We will have contacted all applicants regarding the first stage of the ngdp by friday 9th March 2012
If your application is successful you will be invited to an assessment centre in April 2012.
There will then be a round of interviews in May / June 2012 to decide the final intake."

I really wish there was a little more, er, clarity and organisation to this whole thing

They mentioned the second full day AC at the London assessment centre.

[rainbow drops]

(Original post by ajs12345)
x

(Original post by GdotL)
They mentioned the second full day AC at the London assessment centre.

Ahhh, I see. Thanks!

[comeluckyapril]

(Original post by lscib)
is anyone doing the afternoon session in coventry want to share a taxi from the train station?

Yeah! I'll PM you! (when I work out how to do that)

[fivebyfive]

I phoned them and was told that dress was not formal. I went in smart shirt (no tie) and trousers. Saying that, most people at the AC were dressed formally. Good luck.

[Vanilla*Pod]

I've just dropped out of Friday's assessment centre due to accepting a position as a Bridal Consultant huge difference in career I know!

Good luck everyone!!

[GdotL]

(Original post by Vanilla*Pod)
I've just dropped out of Friday's assessment centre due to accepting a position as a Bridal Consultant huge difference in career I know!

Good luck everyone!!

Haha wow, a paid job I'm assuming - what does that even involve?

[GdotL]

(Original post by fivebyfive)
I phoned them and was told that dress was not formal. I went in smart shirt (no tie) and trousers. Saying that, most people at the AC were dressed formally. Good luck.

How did you find the task?

[stormstar]

(Original post by ajs12345)
It's more an assumption. There are two AC stages (with stage one being done at the moment), and almost definitely the final interview with the selected authority.

This just seems the logical way forward based on previous years and the info this year...

Well last year we had one AC towards the end of March and then Local Authority Interviews in May/June time. Info days are after the assessment centres...which I guess makes sense given that it can act as a revision tool. Although for me as a deferral, the latest (albeit grudging advice) I got from Ami Beeton was to sit and be patient.

I'm a very impatient guy...

[laura130490]

I've cancelled my place at AC tomorrow as I've accepted a place on the NHS graduate management training scheme. Good luck to you all

[rainbow drops]

I'm glad other people in this thread didn't do much maths during the test either, because I barely did any and didn't end up even needing the calculator. Was worried I'd made some kind of huge oversight.

I thought it was okay (I finished, at least) but what I wrote could have been far more organised, and I realised afterwards that I barely wrote anything in the way of a timescale apart from suggesting a deadline, which we were told to do anyway. Ah well!

[stormstar]

(Original post by rainbow drops)
I'm glad other people in this thread didn't do much maths during the test either, because I barely did any and didn't end up even needing the calculator. Was worried I'd made some kind of huge oversight.

I thought it was okay (I finished, at least) but what I wrote could have been far more organised, and I realised afterwards that I barely wrote anything in the way of a timescale apart from suggesting a deadline, which we were told to do anyway. Ah well!

I remember doing a task last time and I was so nervous I had to ask her, "Before we start, I just need like 5 minutes to breathe!", the assessor just burst out laughing and sort of pitied me.

Hopefully you've pulled through!