Selection process

To give you the best chance of succeeding, we’re open about how we select and interview candidates.

We will select you for interview on merit - your academic results are important, but equally you must demonstrate enthusiasm, initiative, diligence and commitment. When you are invited for interview we will be clear about what to expect and whether any preparatory work is required.

Diversity is also important to us. We believe in a working culture which is inclusive, and values and respects differences. By attracting and developing a diverse range of people we can identify the very best talent, while understanding and connecting with our customers.

If you have any questions, please ask us. And if you are unsuccessful in your application we will offer you some feedback to help you understand our decision.

Online aptitude tests

Whichever tests you will be sitting, the key thing is to practise them first. This will help you to feel comfortable with the format of the questions so that you have the best chance of doing well in them. Ask your careers service for help - some even have practice tests you can do online. Otherwise, search online for some extra practice examples before you sit the tests.

Even when practising, remember to choose a quiet location where you won’t be disturbed.

Telephone interview

The telephone interview is a structured conversation that lets us further assess your suitability for the role. It also gives you a chance to speak to us and ask questions.

It's important that you've prepared thoroughly beforehand so you can best demonstrate your understanding of your skills, your knowledge of our company and your reasons for wanting to work for us. Below are our top tips for telephone interviews.

Arrange to take the call where you will not be disturbed
If you are using a mobile, make sure it is charged
Have a copy of your application form, and the job advert close to hand
Switch off the television, radio, etc
Think about your answers to the questions as if it was a face-to-face interview
Take the time you need to formulate a good answer before speaking
Smile, you can hear the difference in your voice
Watch your language: speak slowly and clearly. Don't use slang or other informal language

Assessment centres

The final stage in the process is an Assessment Centre. The number of people taking part will vary, depending on the number of candidates who've made it through to this stage. The Assessment Centre gets you to participate in a variety of exercises in order to assess a broad range of skills.

It's not all about us assessing you, though. The Assessment Centre also gives you the chance to find out more about us, so you can see if this would be the right place to launch your career.

We will let you know in advance what the day will consist of and what types of exercises you'll be taking part in. You will probably be involved in a group exercise, case study task and an interview. We'll be looking for you to demonstrate your key skills in a practical setting and to show your understanding of us, and passion for the internship or graduate programme you are applying for. Below are our top ten tips for a successful interview:

Remember the interviewer will usually do their best to put you at your ease so try to relax and feel confident!
Even if you feel nervous, be conscious of your body language: Make eye-contact, smile, don't slouch or fold your arms
Remember to focus on what you did, the interviewer will be looking for “I”, even in team-working examples
Take time to think before you answer the questions
Listen to the whole question, and answer the question that the interviewer asks, not the question that you wanted them to ask
Before speaking, consider: "Is what I am about to say relevant and will it demonstrate my suitability for the role?"
Communicate clearly, be concise, avoid repetition, don't be negative
Keep calm, preparation helps you to be more in control of the situation
If you can't answer the question, think about the question, and if you don't understand it or don't know how to answer it, say so, and ask the interviewer to rephrase the question. If you still can't answer, ask to come back to the question at the end, then forget it and focus on the next question you are being asked
If you cannot think of a work related example, you can use an example from your volunteer activities, part time work, university, or within other settings like sports teams to help answer the question

What happens next

We'll phone you as quickly as possible after the Assessment Centre to tell you our decision. If you've been unsuccessful, you can ask us for feedback on how you did and how you could improve your performance for the future.

Shortly after the assessment centre, successful candidates will receive an offer letter. The offer is subject to satisfactory references and pre-employment screening checks. You will be contacted by our screening partner The Security Watchdog, and asked to complete an online screening application. *The pre-employment screening will include identification, right to work in the UK, financial probity check, criminal disclosure, academic/professional qualifications, employment history and CV check.

Once everything is sorted out, we have a Welcome Day in June for all of our successful applicants to get together in Edinburgh and get to know one another better before starting in September.