Got what it takes?
We won't pretend that getting a job at BT is easy. Every year, we get over 6,000 applications for graduate positions. But that won't put you off if you're the kind of person we're looking for. The application process ensures that appropriate BT managers within the streams review your application and that it is processed in the same way as all other applications. Because applying can be daunting, we've put together application and interview advice for handy hints and tips. If you'd like to meet in person and see what we have to offer, find out when we'll be holding a campus event in your area. Want to apply now? If you have the right qualifications and BT sounds like the place for you, then there’s no time like the present. So download and complete our online application form (but before you do, remember to read the notes).
ARE YOU THE KIND OF PERSON WE’RE LOOKING FOR?
So you’ve probably got the message by now – we’re looking for the next generation of leaders. Could that be you?
You’ll need to have:
- Graduated, or be on course to graduate, with at least a 2:1 degree
280 UCAS points* - A grade B in GCSE Maths if you are applying for our Finance programme*
- Appropriate immigration permission to work in the UK or Ireland without any restrictions.
- Language skills or relevant work experience are good to have, but not essential.
Qualifications aren't everything, either. We’re looking for people with the following attributes:
- Integrity – customers are at the very heart of everything we do. They rely on us, so it’s essential we keep our promises to them, as well as to each other. To do that, you’ll need the highest standards of personal integrity.
- Leadership – true leaders inspire, support and make important, well-reasoned decisions. To do this, you’ll need inner strength, confidence, and the ability to judge situations well and to act accordingly.
- Teamworking – teamwork is a vital part of everyday life at BT, so you’ll need to be able to interact and work really well with others as a unit – whatever your role.
- Communication – you could be dealing with customers, partners, suppliers or colleagues. To do this well, you’ll need to be great at communicating, and able to get complex and technical information across to people in a way they can understand.
- Co-ordination – the projects you’ll be working on will be pretty complicated, and good co-ordination is key to their success. You’ll need to be able to learn on the job, and multi-task to make sure everything stays on track.
- Creativity – we'll be looking to you to provide some of the inspiration and ideas to help us satisfy the current and future needs of our customers.
- Enthusiasm – we're looking for people who relish a challenge, and who are keen to get stuck in and make a difference.
Think you’ve got what it takes? Then we'd really like to hear from you.
* We accept equivalent qualifications (including international ones) for all minimum entry requirements.
* Applications will be accepted if, because of a disability, an applicant did not get 280 UCAS points.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU APPLY?
Because we're looking for people with remarkable qualities, our application process is extremely rigorous. But don't let that put you off. Here's how to apply and what happens to your application at each stage:
1. Application
It's simple to apply. Just complete the online application form. Before you start your application, we suggest you print out the application hints and tips so you can refer back to them.
2. Review
Your application will be reviewed by a member of our recruitment team, who'll look for intelligent responses to the competency-based questions. At this stage you may be asked to complete online numerical and verbal tests for some of our streams.
3. Telephone interview
This is to check that you have the right personality, attributes and ability for the area for which you're being considered. If you're applying for the ICT and Research stream, you may also need to go through a technical screening exercise.
4. Manager selection
Your details will be given to BT managers who are looking to recruit graduate talent into their teams. If you fit their requirements, you'll be invited to an assessment.
5. Assessment
You’ll go through a number of exercises at an assessment centre. These can include role-plays, group exercises, case studies and interviews. You’ll also get the chance to meet with some of our current graduates and managers.
6. Decision
If you're successful, and we can offer you a place, we'll call you in the days following your assessment to tell you the good news.
Throughout the recruitment process we'll be measuring you against BT's Leadership Capabilities. These capabilities are lived throughout the organisation and its vital that our graduates demonstrate that they can live them too.
Ready? If you feel you’re ready to apply, fill in our online application form.
HINTS & TIPS = A BETTER CHANCE OF SUCCESS
Applying for a graduate development scheme can be daunting, especially if this is your first time. Here are some hints and tips to give you a flying start:
Before you apply
First, consider these questions:
Why should BT employ me?
This will help you focus on your strengths.
Which area of BT am I most interested in?
This will help you decide where and how you would best fit in.
Would I be happy to relocate if I need to?
Remember, some of our roles are rotational. You’ll get the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills in different locations, but you’ll need to be prepared to travel.
Completing your online application
Print and read the guidance notes before completing the form.
Gather all the information you need before you start, including academic qualifications, work experience, full postal addresses of previous employers, awarding body for your A-Levels and GCSEs etc.
Make sure you have enough time to fill it in before the deadline.
Write your answers in a Word document first so you can check spelling and grammar before cutting and pasting into the application form.
Check, check and check again. Good presentation, spelling and grammar are essential in making that all-important first impression.
Before you submit your form, review your application to see if you could add anything to support it.
Print out your completed application for future reference. It may come in useful if you're successful in reaching the later stages of the application process.
Ask a friend or colleague you trust to review your application before hitting the 'submit' button.
Capability questions
These questions provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate that you have skills and attributes we're looking for, so:
Take time to think about your answers and don't underestimate the value of your university experiences.
Before you start, list all the challenging situations and projects you've been involved in, including those where you've helped someone else (remember BT's customer focus).
Be as explicit as possible and don't exaggerate, as we will assess your answers on the basis of the evidence you give us.
Don't cut and paste the same answers into different application forms. Carefully construct the answer to the question asked.
Online psychometric tests
Treat this like an exam.
Make sure you've got everything you'll need, and that you're somewhere you won't be disturbed.
Practice tests are available on line – use these to help you get a good understanding of what you’re being asked to do.
These tests will be repeated at the assessment centre to compare with your online results, so we'll be looking for a high degree of consistency in your answers.
Telephone interview
Research BT before the interview to demonstrate that you have a genuine interest in the organisation and our business.
Re-familiarise yourself with your application form and identify which situations you'd like to focus on.
Make a few notes beforehand to refer to during the interview.
Treat this like a face-to-face interview.
Be in a quiet, private location where you won't be disturbed.
Make sure you're comfortable and have what you need, like a glass of water, pen and paper.
Assessment
We’ll be looking for evidence to support your experiences and to prove that you have the required skills to work for us, so:
Be yourself, as the assessors are looking for consistency throughout the day.
Know the organisation to show us you're serious about working for BT.
Prepare and be clear about your own strengths and weaknesses and what you can bring to BT.
Take an active role in the group exercise and role play – your behaviour and interaction with others will be recorded and evaluated.
