Apply
Applying for the UB Graduate Programme
You’ve now had the chance to meet some of our graduates and seen what our scheme really offers. So, how do you apply? Our process is designed to make it easy for you, but at the same time for us to make sure that we give every application the time it needs. We want our applicants to apply with the best application they can.
What you need to do to apply
The application process is easy – but very important! Make sure you allow about 45 minutes to complete the application form, as there is no option to save and come back to your application. This is important as we do not want you to rush your application.
You will be asked to complete a simple application form and then we will ask you some questions about you! See the Hints and Tips section for more information about this. We really want you to think about what you have done, and what you would do in certain situations. There are no right or wrong answers! You will then need to upload your up-to-date CV. Make sure you check your spelling and formatting of your CV.
Good luck!
The Process
September – early December: Online applications
September – early December: Online psychometric testing
September – early December: Phone interviews
January – February: Assessment Centres
March: Offers!
Competency based questions:
Competencies are the skills, behaviours and knowledge required to perform well within a particular job role. We believe the best way to understand your potential future performance is to find out about examples of past performance. We appreciate that you may not have lots of work experience so what we would really like to know is how you’ve handled real life situations in the past. Some examples of competencies are problem solving, team working, communication and team leading.
When you’re thinking about your answers to the competency questions within your application, try to include the following in no more than 250 words.
Situation – where, when, whom?
Task – describe the task within the situation
Action – How did you deal with the situation? What steps did you take and why?
Result – did those steps lead to success or failure? If failure, what did you learn?
The STAR is similar to telling a story – you provide a short introduction and the action provides the bulk of the information, where the conclusion or the result is the ending.
Telephone Interview:
As part of the pre-screening process we will invite you to undertake a competency based telephone interview. You should prepare as you would for any other interview, bearing in mind the following points:
- Find a quiet place for us to call you to hold the telephone interview.
- Ensure that your mobile is charged and that you have provided us with the correct number to ring on.
- Keep a copy of your documents with you; your CV, application and any questions you may wish to ask at this stage.
- Listen to the questions during the interview, and if you don’t understand – then say so. We will reiterate it in a different way for you
- If there are silences during the interview, it’s the interviewer making notes.
Assessment centres:
This is our opportunity to assess your skills and capabilities, but at the same time it’s a great chance for you to ascertain if UB is the right choice for you. Our assessment centres will allow you to meet some of our key managers and recent graduates. These will help cement your decision in applying to UB.
So what does the day actually involve?
We use a variety of assessment methods including group exercises, presentations, 1:1 interviews and psychometric assessments to ensure that we get a good picture of the qualities you would bring to the graduate programme and UB.
For our manufacturing roles, the assessment centre may also include a site tour of one of our factories. This is a fantastic opportunity to see the “real UB” and to ask questions.
What do you need to do – be yourself…if you have made it this far, it’s because we see something special in you.
