Hints and tips

Applying for an undergraduate placement can be daunting, especially if this is your first time. Before you apply, ask yourself, “Why should BT employ me?”. Here are some other hints and tips to give you a better chance of success.

Completing your online application

• Print and read the guidance notes before completing the form.

• Gather all the information you need, including academic qualifications, work experience, full postal addresses of previous employers and the awarding body for your A-Levels and GCSEs etc.

• Give yourself enough time to fill it in. 

• Write your answers in a Word document first so you can check spelling and grammar before cutting and pasting them into the application form. 

• Check, check and check again, as good presentation, spelling and grammar are essential in making that all-important first impression.

Capability interview questions

These questions help show us that you have the skills and confidence we're after.

• Take time to think about your answers and don't underestimate the value of your university experiences.

• Be as explicit as possible and don't exaggerate, as we will assess your answers on the basis of the evidence you give us.

• List all challenging situations and projects you've been involved in, including those where you've helped someone else (remember BT's customer focus).

• Don't cut and paste the same answers into different application forms. Carefully construct the answer to the question asked. • Before you submit your form, review your application to see if you could add anything else to support it.

• Print out your completed application for future reference. It may come in useful if you're successful in reaching the later stages of the application process. 

• Ask a friend or colleague you trust to review your application before hitting the 'submit' button.

Job specific interview questions

• Research BT before the interview to show a genuine interest in the organisation. 

• Re-familiarise yourself with your application form and know which situations you'd like to focus on.

• Prepare well and be clear about your own strengths and weaknesses and what you can bring to BT.

If it is a telephone interview:

• Make a few notes beforehand to refer to during the interview. 
• Treat this like a face-to-face interview. 
• Take the call in a quiet, private location where you won't be disturbed.
• Make sure you're comfortable and have what you need like a glass of water and pen and paper.