Applying for a graduate development programme 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, and the 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 the 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 online – 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

See also:
About BT
Social responsibility