Anxious about law assessment centre - please help!

[Anothernamechange21]

I’ve name changed for this, but I’ve been invited to an assessment centre on Tuesday for a training contract to be a solicitor. Don’t want to name the firm as potentially outing but the thought of the day is completely freaking me out!

I’m 21 and have recently graduated from university with a law degree. I suffer quite badly from anxiety already and have cancelled/turned down several invites to assessment centres and interviews in the past. It’s getting to the point where I’m embarrassed about it now and really need the push to attend - there’s a strengths based interview as well as a presentation and I’m so nervous about it all that I feel sick!

Just looking for some advice and tips on hope to cope really, in my head I know it’s all about being prepared but my anxiety seems to completely take over with these things and I inevitably end up backing out.

Don't back out! Nerves are normal. Remember that most candidates will be very nervous - you are not alone!

Whilst waiting for interviews I do in the in for one, out for one, in for two out for two, up to six, breathing technique to give me something to focus on and calm myself.

You've got through a law degree - you can do this!

(Btw I'm a law firm partner who has been involved in graduate recruitment for many years. We are not ogres. We are not looking to catch you out. We are just using the assessment centres tools to help us distinguish between candidates to find those most suitable for the future of the business.)

Hi op,
Didn’t want to read and run. I have bad anxiety when it comes to interviews/jobs (in general too) hence I’ve been out of work for a while now

Firstly, it’s amazing you have made it to the assessment centre. Well done
Have you ever taken medication for your anxiety?

I know it’s maybe not the advice you want to hear but for me the only way I’ve been able to improve is simply forcing myself to do new things. I was terrified of telephone interviews so now I make an effort to always call to book appointment rather than book online etc. Unfortunately, I can’t give any specific advice for assessment centres as I’ve never been to one but could you practice presenting in front of a few friendly people you know

Personally I always think to myself, worse case scenario and I make a fool out of myself - any professional employer will not laugh in your face and they will interview plenty of candidates so will soon forget you

*worst case scenario and if
Gosh sorry wording all over the place in my post

It is really hard taking the first steps towards facing fear/anxiety but I’m sure you will be glad you did later

The worst they could possibly do is not give you the job. Just take it as a learning opportunity for the next one as opposed to an important test.