Stages of the recruitment process

Depending on the type of role you're applying for, recruitment processes can be quite different.

For example, if you were applying for a part-time job at the coffee chain Pret, you could expect the process below:

However, if you were applying to a graduate scheme with an organisation like global professional services firm, PwC, then the process could look something like this:

It can take time to find any type of job in the UK, whether you're looking for part-time or graduate jobs. For graduate schemes it's common for applicants to be in the recruitment process for several months.

 

Top tips

Many employers are transparent about what their recruitment processes are. Make sure you thoroughly research their process on their website, or by using sites like Glassdoor. Links to an external site.

Some UK graduate schemes will open applications in autumn, nearly a year before the work actually starts. Not all companies and sectors offer graduate schemes so its important to do some research!

If you're interested in applying to graduate schemes in the UK, we recommend that you start to research employers using resources such as:

• The Times top 100 Graduate Employers Links to an external site.
• targetjobs top 300 Graduate Employers Links to an external site.

No matter what you are applying for the Careers Service can help you prepare. 

Stages of the recruitment process

Click on the boxes below to find out more about different stages of the recruitment process.

             CVs                  Cover letters       Application forms  

Recruitment tests         Interviews       Assessment centres