How To Prepare For Your ADF Assessment Day

It can feel like there is both too much and not enough information out there on what you should do to prepare for your Assessment Day or YOU session. If you'd like some guidance from applicants who have recently attend these days, read on.

Congratulations on applying for the Australian Defence Force. You’re probably eagerly awaiting a date for your YOU session or your Assessment day.

To help you get prepared we've put together a heap of information that we know will help you out when preparing for your Assessment Day or YOU session. Firstly, if you spend a lot of time in the car or on public transport, then listen to our podcast 'Becoming Badass'. There are almost 50 episodes from applicants and current serving members. Each person tells their individual application story and how they navigated through the process. You're guaranteed to find someone who has been through the same thing you're going through. 

There is certainly a lot to think about. Choosing your job preferences, filling out your medical questionnaire, completing your police check form, getting your ID together, any supporting medical documents you need, study for the aptitude test, preparing for your interview, thinking about the psych examination and finally, stressing about what to wear.

ASSESSMENT DAY QUESTION GUIDE
In order to prepare for your Assessment Day interview, we've put together an Assessment Day question guide. It's a free download that you can access on your phone or print out to write your answers down. Head over here to grab that! 

WHAT TO BRING TO ASSESSMENT DAY
You have so many items that you've been told to collect and bring on the day. Understandably this is quite stressful and it's likely you might forget the basics. We've put together a list of items that you might not think to bring but that will prove to be very helpful on the day. Click here to read over this list and get yourself prepared! 

CHOOSING YOUR JOB PREFERENCES
Choosing your job preferences can be confusing and you'll find yourself conducting a lot of research to ensure you have all the information. You want to make sure that you are making an informed decision about your new career path and that you can successfully obtain a job that you'll enjoy. It's sometimes desirable to jump into a job just because it has a shorter wait time. But will you love it? There is a difference between 'just getting enlisted ASAP' and 'waiting for a job I know I'll love'. You have to be happy going to work every day and you have to show that you are committed to providing 100% effective service to your chosen role. To help you make your decision, please read this blog article that explains why it could be worth waiting a bit longer for the right job. Click here to read.

WHAT TO WEAR
The guidance you are given regarding appropriate attire for the day is quite broad. Many applicants reach out to facebook forums to try and gauge some clarity on what will be deemed as appropriate.

Whilst the guidance indicates that there is no forced dress standard, most applicants have a desire to present professionally and look their best on both of these days. It’s important to treat these days like a job interview. A general rule of thumb is that if you wouldn’t wear it to a job interview, then don’t wear it to your Assessment Day or YOU session.

Here are some tips from applicants who have recently completed their YOU session or Assessment Day:

• First impressions count. Make sure you are well presented in business style attire.
• Remember that the ADF has high standards with dress and bearing. Use this opportunity to prove that you can adhere to these standards and that you take them seriously.
• A nice pair of trousers/skirt (business style) and a blouse. Any colours are fine.
• A nice top that isn’t a blouse is appropriate.
• Dresses are appropriate. Ensure they are at an appropriate length.
• No cleavage showing or crop style tops.
• You do not need to wear a suit if you are not in a position to purchase one.
• You won’t need to do a fitness assessment on the day so don’t wear active wear.
• Groom your hair neat and tidy
• Conservative, natural/minimal makeup
• If you’re still at school then it’s fine to wear your uniform. Ensure that it is clean, ironed and in good repair.
• Bring a blazer/coat as the air conditioning can become very cold if you’re waiting most of the day.
• You can wear flats, heels, open toe shoes or winter style boots. As long as you are comfortable and your shoes are in good repair it’s fine to wear any of these styles.
• If you are not in a position to spend a lot of money, that’s ok. Try places like Kmart, Target and Big W for affordable and appropriate options.

Whilst this is a stressful decision, it’s important not to overthink it. As long as you look clean, tidy and as though you are presenting for a job interview, you will be fine. It’s important to ensure you are comfortable in what you wear so that you appear confident. If you’d prefer flats over heels then that’s no problem. If you’d prefer a nice top over a button up blouse, that’s fine too. Just ensure you resemble a little more ‘business’ then ‘nightclub’.

First impressions are everything and you should expect that the way you first present and greet the staff may be noted on your file. If you walk in confident, stand tall and look neat and tidy then your interviewers will have no reason to fault your chosen attire.

ASSESSMENT DAY RESULTS
Don't be disheartened if you don't get the result you'd hoped for on the day. If you're advised to take 12 months to go and get some life experience, then see this as a positive. It just means that in 12 months when you re-apply, you'll be far better equiped to do the job to a high standard. This feedback is more common than you would realise. We spoke to members of The Barracks Gym who had been told to wait 12 months or so and asked them to provide guidance on why they have seen this as a positive. Click here to read through their feedback and see if it can help you come to terms with your results from the day.

LET'S GET FIT!
Now what? FITNESS. If you've started your application then you need to make your fitness a priority. The last thing you want is to be given a date for your PFA and realise that you are no where near ready. We have so many resources that can help you get started. If you're struggling to motivate yourself then have a read of these tips that explain why you needed to start training YESTERDAY! 

JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP
Feel free to jump on our ADF Recruit Fitness forum to discuss this with other applicants who have recently completed their YOU session or Assessment Day.

If you'd like some help getting your fitness on track then we can absolutely help you out. Book in your call and grab your 2 Week Trial now.