What Do Employers Look for During the Top100 Future Leaders Awards?

Posted by Clareese Packer

Thinking about applying for the 2024 Top100 Future Leaders Awards? You should! Come as prepared as possible by knowing what employers typically look for when it comes to the mock assessment centre stage. Read on to find out all the top tips from our 2023 Top100 Award Assessors. 

Having the right mindset

In terms of what you should work on for the application process, Anthony Takyi, Head of Careers Engagement said that having the right mindset is something Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand is on the hunt for. 

“One of the things that we look for more broadly in that accounting profession is that mindset. So looking at people’s level of resilience, that drive, that determination, how they’ve overcome challenges, and that’s something that I've seen come through from a number of candidates in the interview process,”

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Communication is key

Transferable entrepreneurial skills is another thing employers look out for, as well as good interpersonal and communication skills. 

“But then also their judgement, that curiosity, critical thinking, they’re key elements I’ve definitely seen coming through in the interviews,” Anthony said. 

Prioritising problem solving

Annie Lucchitti, Marketing Manager Home Care, Unilever, added that they really hone in on problem solving skills, and looking at the thought process of the candidates. 

“We’re looking for students who are really thinking consumer first, they’re thinking ‘how do we serve and solve pain points across problems and across situations?’” 

“And we’re really looking at how students are going about these situations, what is their thought process? How are they really making sure they’re bringing people into the journey and getting the outcome that they want at the end of it?”

Employers also look for passionate individuals who are willing to learn and grow, so keep that in mind, too! It’s a great experience no matter what way you spin it, so as the winner of the 2023 Jacobs Sustainability Top100 Future Leader Award put it, "Just go for it!"

Want to hear more Top100 application tips? Hear directly from our 2023 winners in this article or see out our top tips to succeed in graduate assessment centres! 


Watch our highlights video from the 2023 Top100 Future Leaders Assessment Centre Day:

Applications for the 2024 Top100 Future Leaders Awards are now open - learn more and apply here!


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