FAQs

Who is eligible to apply?

The programme is open to all graduates who:

  • Have graduated at degree or postgraduate level from a higher education institution within the past two years
  • Have no more than one year’s relevant (graduate level) work experience since their last graduation
  • Have up-to-date visa documentation if required — international graduates only 
  • Have good English language skills appropriate to a business environment

If you meet these criteria and have the skills for the job, you can apply.

I don’t graduate till the Summer, can I apply already?

It depends on the placement start date. If the placement is advertised as starting after you have finished your course, you can apply, just as you would for any other graduate programme. Do remember though that you will need to take time to prepare your application and attend interviews, so may need to spend a small amount of time away from university to do so.

At the time you start working you should at least have a letter from your university confirming your marks and that you have passed your course, though you don’t have to have attended the formal graduation ceremony. 

What is the deadline for applications?

Each placement is advertised with its own deadline – there is no set deadline for the programme as a whole. Normally placements are advertised for between two weeks and one month, so make sure you allow plenty of time to prepare your application and CV before the deadline. The majority of placements start within 1-2 months after the closing date. 

What is the application process?

The application process is very simple. You need to fill in the application form and send it, along with your CV, to the email address included in the application form. Following the deadline, you will be contacted by someone from the TalentScotland Graduate Placement Programme who will let you know whether your application has or has not been forwarded to the employer.

If the employer chooses to interview you, either he or she will be in touch directly to schedule the interview or somebody from the TalentScotland Graduate Placement Programme team. Following the interview, you will be given feedback on whether you have or have not been selected for the programme.

Are there assessment centres?

No. Each company is typically only recruiting one or two graduates and will have a very simple interview process. In some instances you may be asked to sit a test as part of the process (online or in person) however it is very unlikely you would need to take part in other assessment centre exercises. You may be asked to prepare a presentation for your interview.

I didn’t study in Scotland, can I apply?

Yes, provided you fulfil the other eligibility criteria, please see above. 

I don’t have any formal work experience, can I apply?

Yes. If a company is looking for any specific work experience, this will be clearly stated in the job advertisement. Most placements, however, are looking for your academic and extra-curricular experience, and the potential you will bring to the company. 

I don’t live in the same place as the placement company, will I be helped to move?

As part of the programme, you won’t be offered formal / financial assistance to relocate. In some cases, the company may have links to particular letting agencies and may be able to offer limited advice about relocating.

How much will I earn?

The minimum annual salary is £14,000, which will be pro-rated for the length of your placement. In the Highlands and Islands region, the minimum annual salary is £15,500. Many companies will anyway pay more than the minimum and some will include performance related bonus schemes.

What kind of support will I receive during the programme?

You can contact a member of the placement team at any point during the programme if you have any questions / concerns / feedback. We have also set up a linkedin online networking group for all participants in the TalentScotland Graduate Placement Programme. If you are working for a company in the Highlands and Islands, a member of the TalentScotland Graduate Placement Programme team will get in touch with you at least every three months to monitor if everything is going ok.

Your main supervisor will be your manager in the placement company. 

What makes a good application?

We want to see your motivations for the placement programme and for the specific placement company. Do take the time to research the company and why you feel you would be the right candidate. It is important that you demonstrate in the application what skills and experience you have that make you the best candidate for the placement. Do remember that attention to detail and the overall quality of your application are extremely important – poor spelling and sloppiness will put your application at a disadvantage. 

I don’t graduate until next year, can I apply yet?

No, but there are other programmes to which you can apply as a current student e.g. the TalentScotland Summer Placement Programme in the Highlands and Island, The Third Sector Internship Programme, The International Work Experience Programme etc. Please speak to your university careers service about these programmes.

I am going to graduate with an Ordinary Degree, not an Honours Degree, can I apply?

Yes, unless the placement advertisement specifically requests an Honours Degree. 

Is there a minimum degree classification in order to apply?

No, unless the placement advertisement specifically requests a particular degree classification. 

Do you only recruit from certain courses?

No, we recruit from all different degree disciplines. Of course, there will be some technical roles (eg Engineering) that require specific degree backgrounds, but each advertisement will be clear about what qualifications the candidate needs to have. 

Can I apply to multiple placements?

Yes, but make sure you are clear about your motivations for each one. Don’t just copy and paste your application from one to another.

Can I apply whilst studying part time?

Yes, if you have completed a Higher Education qualification within the last two years. But please be realistic about the time that a full time job will require and take away from your studies. 

Will I receive training while on placement?

Your company will train you in the specific areas required and you will also attend additional business skills training in a residential course together with other graduates on placement.

If you have any further questions please contact us by email