Interview process
After applying online you have a phone interview followed by a a centre interview if you reach the next stage. The final stage is an Assessment Day at their HQ in Guilford. Cardiff and attended the Assessment Day in Guildford. I applied in November and attended the Assessment Day in January but it would have been a shorter time period if I did not have to reschedule around my University schedule. The phone interview was pleasant and quite quick. As long as you have done thorough preparation beforehand, it should not be difficult. Explore Learning's website has everything necessary to learn about the company and see if your values coincide with theirs. By the end of the phone interview, I was told that I had been successful and I was able to choose a centre to have my second face-to-face interview.
I chose a centre close to where I go to university, so don't worry if you are living between cities at the time of application. I received a tour of the centre before the interview which was nice. The interview itself was slightly more intense, I was interviewed by two centre directors. They asked me a few questions then proceeded into the role play. You have two chances at the roleplay after receiving feedback on your first turn. I loved this aspect, it is so important to know where and how you can improve and then make real-time changes.
The day after this centre interview, I received an email saying I have been accepted for the Assessment Day in Guilford (very quick process).
Most difficult question
Should you greet and attempt to secure a trial session with a client that has just walked into the centre when you have just been given an important task to complete by the end of your work day?
Interview tips
Be yourself! It is very obvious if you are pretending to be invested in the company when you are not. By the time you have reached the Assessment Day you should feel confident in yourself and how suited you are to the role. The Assessment Centre, its atmosphere, the staff and the activities do give a real insight to life at Explore Learning and I believe that you will be perfect for the job if you enjoy the entire process.
Experiences at the assessment centre
The Assessment Day was an enjoyable experience and I felt as though I was surrounded by people who were all enthusiastic and passionate about the company. It definitely made me want to work here more. It started with an introduction to the company and staff, followed by individual interviews, presentations, role play, group exercise and a Maths and English test. The group exercise is the last thing to take place but the other activities are done in a randomised order.
The individual interviews were similar to ones we've done previously so it was a nice beginning to the day. I did the presentation and role play next. I had the choice of which one to do first, I picked the personal compass presentation first. I did well in my presentation, I was clear, energetic and passionate about who I am, my goals, and what made me suitable for Explore Learning. The role play was more challenging but the feedback I received was very helpful. The English and Maths tests were quick and not too difficult. The group exercise was good but also a bit difficult, only because you want to appear as a team and let everyone have their opportunity to shine, however, you have to put your own best foot forward too. My tip would be to listen well to each other and encourage others to speak as well as speaking yourself.
The atmosphere was incredible, I did not feel as though I was in competition with my peers, rather, we all had similar goals and were looking forward to displaying our capabilities. All the staff were welcoming and in fact, inspirational. The Assessment centre made me want to grow with this ever-growing company.