Selection Process

Every organisation has its own unique methods for selecting degree apprentices. That being said, there are some methods that apply to all. For example, you will be expected to fill in an online application form and, if you make it past that stage, at some point you will be interviewed.

Don't go in cold - ever!

it’s up to you to find out what the selection process looks like at the organisation you’re targeting (use your network if necessary). That will ensure that you are laser focused when preparing.

Multilayered

Every candidate will be assessed in a variety of different ways. For example:

THE EARLY STAGES OF THE SELECTION PROCESS

Most of the following will take place early in the selection process. However, this will vary by company.

Online applications

The first stage of every degree apprenticeship application. This is where most candidates are rejected. Click here to find out how to sail over this hurdle.

Pre-screening

If you’re selected for pre-screening, that means that they liked your online application and they just want to verify a few things before putting you through to the next stage. Click here to find out more about pre-screening.

Pre-recorded video interviews

You will be given a series of questions, and you have to record your answers to these questions (video and audio). AI-powered platforms, such as Hirevue, are often used to assess your answers. Click here to find out more.

Online interviews

At the early stages of the selection process online group interviews are the most frequently used interview format. However, online one-to-one interviews are reasonably common too.

Online assessments and tests

These will vary by degree apprenticeship. For example, gamified tests or personality tests. Click here to find out more.

THE LATER STAGES OF THE SELECTION PROCESS

Most of the following will take place later in the selection process. However, this will vary by company. The methods listed below are likely to form part of the assessment day.

Face-to-face interviews

The three most common forms of face-to-face interviews used in the degree apprenticeship selection process are:

Presentation

You may be asked to prepare and deliver a short presentation (usually less than 15 minutes), on a pre-assigned topic, in front of a panel of assessors. Click here to find out what the assessors will love.

Situational Judgement Tests (SJT)

You may be given a series of workplace scenarios and you have to explain what you would do in each situation. Click here to find out more about SJTs.

Group exercise (assessment)

This is when you’re put in a group and set a task to complete in a set time period. There are many similarities with online and in-person group interviews, so please review this guidance too. Click here to find out how to get noticed when you’re part of a pack.

Other methods of assessment

There are a number of other assessment methods used by companies hiring degree apprentices. These are less common than the methods listed above, but some will always be used in certain circumstances: Think coding skills assessments for aspiring software engineers, or numeracy skills assessments for aspiring accountants. Click on here to find out more about the following:

Written exercises
Logic-based tests
Technical assessments
Skills tests
Portfolio review

Networking events

Some degree apprenticeship roles require excellent people skills. If this is the case, the company may host a networking event with potential recruits alongside existing employees and even company clients. Networking events can be very intimidating but, with insider knowledge, you can approach these events with confidence. Click here to find out how.

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