Job applications to your target companies can be a daunting task. We spoke to representatives from two of the largest graduate employers of Southampton graduates, Mehreen Khan from Accenture and Adam Gibbard from BAE Systems.
We asked BAE Systems what they expect from students who apply for a position at their company.
Students are expected to demonstrate the skills and experience they have and how this can benefit BAE Systems. Students are expected to demonstrate the academic and behavioural skills necessary to succeed in our company and an enthusiasm for the inspired work that we do. Students must also be willing to adopt our company values and demonstrate these throughout the selection process and in the way they work.
This is what Accenture had to say when asked to define the perfect candidate.
I wouldn’t really say we have one type of perfect candidate we look for. The nature of the work is so varied that we look for a variety of candidates also. There are particular top qualities we look for i.e. communication, problem solving, analytical skills etc. but we also look for someone who is passionate, driven and proactive.
This, according to BAE Systems, is how students should spend their time at university.
To prepare for a potential career with BAE Systems while at university, students should seek to gain experience in both academic and behavioural skills. Students should select modules and projects that both develop new skills and are relevant to their future aspirations. Students should also practise the necessary behavioural skills to enable them to succeed in the workplace; these include team-work, leadership, driving-growth, self-management, etc.
According to Accenture, this is how prospective applicants should demonstrate their interest in the company.
Go above and beyond with your research to demonstrate a strong understanding of the range of services we offer, make an effort to find out about and attend our networking events. Seek relevant experience that will allow you to develop the skills we look for in our grad programmes.
This is what BAE Systems said when asked about the major don’ts when applying to their company.
Candidates applying for graduate roles with us should ensure they avoid making spelling or grammar mistakes in their online application as applications with more than five spelling mistakes are automatically rejected from the system.
Don’t provide complex or long-winded answers. Our recruiting managers look for clear, concise answers. And don’t be too general in your responses. Candidates should think specifically about BAE Systems and the role they have applied for.
Don’t try to be someone you are not. Our assessment process is designed to find a candidate who is right for BAE Systems but is also designed to allow candidates to see whether the role they have applied for is right for them.
Application tips from BAE Systems.
Applicants should always use plain English and keep answers as concise as possible. Our recruiting managers often have a lot of applications to review.
Applicants should ensure they give full details of their degree modules and relevant final year projects. Our recruiting managers will want to see exactly what applicants have done at university and how this fulfils what they are looking for.
You can find more about graduate employment with BAE Systems and Accenture on their websites.