insights Top tips for your graduate application

Follow these guidelines to increase your chances of success and pave the way for a fulfilling career:

Research, Research, Research

Before applying, it’s essential to do some thorough research. Explore all graduate jobs, take the time to explore our careers site, our projects, and make the most of our chatbot tool to discover roles that align with your interests. Delve into the job descriptions associated with each role and sector that catches your eye. 

Familiarise yourself with the selection process and the specific business area you are applying to. Gaining this knowledge will not only help you tailor your application but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

Bonus tip: go beyond browsing our website and studying our values, mission, and culture. Follow us on social media. Head to InsideAtkins on Instagram for stories, Instagram takeovers and more to get a real insight into life at Atkins, as well as Facebook InsideAtkins.

For business news and more on our employee stories go to LinkedIn. Read our blogs to learn more about what we do and how we work.

Tailor your application

The strongest applications are tailor-made. We want to hear about your individual experience. Your application is our opportunity to learn about you, your interests, and your motivations. It’s your chance to highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and academic achievements such as your degree and the modules you’re studying. It’s also a great chance for you to show us what you know about Atkins. 

At Atkins, we don’t accept CVs, so remember to detail everything about your experience in your application. 

Bonus tip: review the team descriptions on the job advert and make sure to tailor your answers to the role. 

Showcase your transferable skills

Limited work experience can be common among graduates, so make the most of your transferable skills. But what makes them transferable? They are skills you have learned that you can bring from one job to another. You can apply these general skills to various fields, working environments, and industries.

Highlight any part-time jobs, internships, volunteering experiences, or extracurricular activities that have equipped you with relevant skills such as teamwork, leadership, communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. Emphasise how these skills can be applied to contribute to the graduate programme.

Network and seek references

Expanding your professional network can significantly boost your chances of success and help you gain valuable insights. Attend career fairs, industry events, and connect with professionals through online platforms like LinkedIn.

Bonus tip: come and speak to us at a careers event or access our Connectr platform, where you can message our online mentors directly, and ask them anything you like about what it’s like to work at Atkins. Our mentors are all graduates, who have been where you’ve been, so they’re equipped with the experience to help you succeed! 

Prepare for assessments and interviews

A key part of our selection process is the Online Immersive Assessment – using a combination of assessments using a ‘day in the life of’ approach – so take your time with this. This is an opportunity for you to show how your qualifications and experience match our requirements. Before taking the assessment, prepare a quiet space to take your computer. Go through the introduction guidelines and listen to the advice. 

If you’re successful at this stage, you will be invited to the final stage of the recruitment process: a virtual interview with the area of the business you applied for. This is your chance to shine! You’ll need to showcase your relevant skills and suitability for the role, but it’s also a great opportunity to ask any questions about how things work and what to expect in the role. 

Make sure to prepare for the interview, and read all instructions provided to you beforehand. Revisit the role you’ve applied for so you can prepare answers on how your skills and experience make you right for the role, and study the business area.

Bonus tip: enhance your interview skills by preparing answers to common and technical questions. Find helpful videos on Connectr and run mock interviews with friends or career advisors. 

Are you ready to accelerate your career with Atkins?

As a global leader in engineering, design and project management, we endeavour to create world-class teams who dare to see things differently, while engineering a better future for our planet and its people. 

Remember your ambition and dedication will pave the way to a bright future. By following our top tips, you'll be well-equipped to increase your chances of securing a spot in our prestigious Graduate Development Programme. Good luck! Explore our graduate roles today.