The recruitment process
The basics
The programmes
The application
The screening process
The assessment process
Closing date
The basics
There are a few things that you’ll definitely need. Academically, you’ll be on target for, or have achieved, a 2:1 honours degree – or equivalent. If you’re applying specifically for Group Strategy & Planning, you’ll need a 2:1 (or Masters in addition to your first degree) in economics. You should also have a minimum of 240 UCAS points (excluding General Studies) or equivalent. Finally, you must be eligible to work in the UK and happy to relocate as your placements require.
The programmes
Then you’ll need to decide which programme is for you from our Generalist, Specialist, Industrial Placement or Summer internship options. When you’ve decided and you’re ready to apply, head straight to the Apply button. The page that opens up will display some prerequisite screening questions for you to confirm that you meet the necessary requirements for the programme of your choice. Once you've completed the screening questions, you can proceed directly to our online application form.
The application
When you submit your application form your details will be stored confidentially. The secure-server software encrypts all your information whilst you are completing the online application form – your privacy is guaranteed.
Ordinarily, we only accept applications via this website. However, if you have a disability which makes completing the online form difficult, call us on 01793 654205, and we will be happy to make alternative arrangements.
The screening process
Once you have submitted your online application successfully, you will be directed automatically to complete our screening questionnaire. The questionnaire takes approximately 20 minutes to complete, and there is the option to complete immediately or to return at a later date.
The next stage will involve online and numerical and verbal tests and progression through depends on the outcome of each test. Each stage is designed to test key competencies associated with the role.
The assessment process
Then, if you’re shortlisted following the screening process, we'll invite you to either our Swindon or Northampton offices, so we can spend some time getting to know you better through a competency based interview with the relevant business areas - And you can spend some time getting to know us.
If you’re successful, you’ll be asked back to attend a one-day assessment centre which involves a series of individual and group exercises. You may be asked to re-sit numerical and verbal re-tests on the day as part of our verification processes.
The evening before, we get everyone together so you can get to know each other before the event. We also invite along previous and current graduates so you can learn about the Nationwide experience directly from those involved. We genuinely want people to enjoy the day and give their best, so we do everything we can to keep things relaxed and informal.
Occasionally, some of you may be asked to attend a 3rd stage interview following the assessment centre.
If you’re not successful in the assessment centre, we'll encourage you to seek feedback. If you’re offered a place, we'll stay in touch and give you the contact details of the other new joiners too, so you can start to network from the moment you accept our offer.
Finally, just before you're due to start, we'll invite you to lunch so you can meet members of our senior management team: the very people you're going to replace (eventually)!
Closing date
The closing date is 30 April 2009; however, we recommend you submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment as we start to make offers from December.
If after reading this site, you're not sure whether our graduate programme is right for you, but you like what you've read about us, we have several other career opportunities available.
