The IBM UK Industrial Trainee Scheme

Stephanie Bishop University & School Liaison Manager Vanessa Gough Foundation Professional Development Manager

Agenda
The IBM Industrial Trainee scheme What we seek in students Selection process Online applications Mock assessment centre group exersise

The IBM Industrial Trainee Scheme

About the scheme  Recruit approx 300 Industrial Trainees each year 12 Month Placement (Summer Start)  Applications open 1st September 31st January  Salary 14,088 plus 500 sign on bonus  London Weighting  25 Days Paid Holiday

The IBM Industrial Trainee Scheme

Business Support Procurement

Human Resources

IBM Have Job Roles Available in:

Marketing

Finance Information Technology

What we look for

We look for people who can demonstrate that they have the following characteristics, which we call our core competencies:

All degree disciplines accepted Predicted 2:1 honours degree Personal flexibility essential

Assessment process

Industrial Trainee Scheme

Assessment Centre

Online IPATO Test

Online Application Form

We use the following process to determine if students have the required core competencies

Application Forms
Purpose of application forms Why application forms and not CVs? Sections in an application form Advice

Purpose of Application Forms

To provide a common framework for all applicants To elicit evidence of transferable skills To evaluate written communication level To provide information upon which to base an interview

Why Application Forms and not CVs?

Common framework gives more equal chance Makes applicant think about responses Can be tailored for different graduate schemes Theres no spellcheck function

Sections in Application Forms

vary dependent upon scheme But typically Why IBM? What skills do YOU think are needed? Give an example of a time when. What evidence can you provide of?

Advice
Spell check Sense check Answer the questions Find out what the recruiting company DOES what they SELL what they MAKE what they DO!!! Correct company name used? If invited to use no more than 400 words take advantage

Advice (contd)
I, when a personal pronoun, is ALWAYS a capital How many is does liaising have? Is alot correct? Is apart the same as a part?

Transferable Skills
Adaptability Client Focus Technical Orientation/Passion for the Business Team Work Communication Skills Analytical Reasoning/Problem Solving Drive/Leadership

but grammar and punctuation dont matter, surely?

Dear John I want a man who knows what love is all about. You are generous, kind, thoughtful. People who are not like you admit to being useless and inferior. You have ruined me for other men. I yearn for you. I have no feelings whatsoever when were apart. I can be forever happy will you let me be yours? Gloria Dear John I want a man who knows what love is. All about you are generous, kind, thoughtful people who are not like you. Admit to being useless and inferior. You have ruined me. For other men, I yearn. For you, I have no feelings whatsoever. When were apart, I can be forever happy. Will you let me be? Yours Gloria

Extracts from application forms

I have a solid global awareness of business and technology, with strong analytical problem-solving skills, I occupy a drive to solving problems from conception through to completion, with the verve and energy required to be a success with IBM. I WOULD LIKE TO MOVE TOWARD NEW TECHNOLOGY.AS A RECOGNISED COMPANY IBMVIS ONE OF THEMOST POPULAR COMPANIES THAT HAS ALWAYS PERFORMED A HIGH STANDARD PRODUCTS. 3. Please tell us about any other achievements or positions of responsibility that support your application I have lived in several foreign countries, including <country name> for eighteen months and <another country name> several times.

Extracts from application forms

I have an aptitude for leaning I have always wanted to work for a large, mutti-national and well respected company like IMB. To succeed in sales it is imperitive you can communicate effectively. During my time at <name of company>, I was suprised how much I enjoyed calculating fugures and developing buisness acumen. This gave me a competitive edge in versatility of all positions and was able to cover up for any staff in any of these positions

Extracts from application forms

When I turned seventeen passing my driving test became my target. After some initial experience with my father, I appointed a driving instructor. I was known for my dessert presentation ability

More Extracts
1. IBM is a large, global organisation offering a wealth of opportunities and excellent training. Beyond this, what motivates you to apply for a job with IBM?

After my research I found out that JP Morgan play a vital part in the financial sector and when I realised they operate in more than 50 countries and have assets of $1.3 trillion, I knew that it would be a great opportunity to gain some experience from a leading company.

1. What attracted you to apply for a position with IBM? Please do not use more than 150 words to answer this question. Well, I have always enjoyed working for Telecommunication Companys. (9 words) 2. What is the one key thing that IBM has done or developed in the last 5 years that you think has made a difference and why? Please do not use more than 150 words to answer this question. I am not sure. (4 words) 3. Why are you particularly drawn towards a career in your chosen area? Please do not use more than 150 words to answer this question. Getting back to work mainly. (5 words) 4. We look for graduates with client focus, communication skills, personal drive and leadership. Please provide evidence to demonstrate that you have these attributes. Please do not use more than 400 words to answer this question. I have all the above mentioned attributes. (7 words) 5. Picture your perfect job: What are the three most important characteristics of that job and why are these important? Please do not use more than 200 words to answer this question. I think I could demonstrate that I am able to do the job. (13 words) 6. What other skills, achievements or positions of responsibility do you believe support your application to IBM Sales? Please give details of any previous sales experience. Please do not use more than 300 words to answer this question. Well, it is just something I want to do. (9 words)