Because we're looking for the right kind of people to join us, we take care over the application process. So should you. Below you’ll find an overview of how we'll select you for Vacation Scheme placements and Training Contracts. We'll give you a few hints and tips on how you can improve your chances too. Vivienne Ball, our Head of Recruitment gives advice in an interview.
Applying for Vacation Schemes
Applying for a Training Contract
Completing the online form
Application hints and tips
As we’ve mentioned elsewhere in the site, Vacation Schemes are open to applicants who have 320 UCAS points (or equivalent) and who have or are expecting a 2:1 degree. Selection happens in two stages.
- Stage One: this starts with our online application form and psychometric test, which involves verbal reasoning.
- Stage Two: if you complete stage one successfully, you will interviewed by a member of our HR team and will give a presentation. You will then take part in a group exercise.
If you're successful in securing a Vacation Scheme placement with us, you'll be fast tracked through the selection for our Training Contract, skipping straight to an analysis exercise and a final partner interview on the penultimate day of your scheme. Make sure you apply early, places are competitive. Remember that schemes and their respective application deadlines differ slightly between London, Bristol and Scotland. For further details please go to Let's talk Vacation Schemes.
- You can start applying for a Training Contract from 1st October 2008.
- The deadline for London and Bristol applications is 31st July 2009.
- In Scotland, the deadline is 16th October 2009.
Training Contracts, just like the Vacation Schemes, are open to applicants who have 320 UCAS points (or equivalent) and who have or are expecting a 2:1 degree. If you haven't already taken a Vacation Scheme with us, selection happens in three stages.
- Stage One: involves an online application and a psychometric test.
- Stage Two: involves an HR Interview. You’ll also give a presentation, take part in analysis and group exercises, and attend a partner interview. Offers will be made at this stage.
- Stage Three: is an invite to join us for lunch. This isn't an interview, but gives you the chance to meet the people you could be working with. It's a great opportunity to ask more questions and make a more informed decision.
- Make sure you show that you have the following skills and competencies:
- Leadership
- Interpersonal skills
- Teamwork
- Problem solving
- Commitment
- Motivation
- Don’t simply use answers from previous forms you have filled in. Take time to understand each question fully before you write your answer.
- We’re looking for well-rounded individuals, so remember to include full details of your outside interests and activities. These say a lot about you.
- Read over your answers carefully. Have you provided the information we asked for? Are there any typos or spelling mistakes?
- Save as you go along in case your internet connection goes down. It is advisable to write your answers in Word first so you have a back up copy.
Our online form application form is CVmail compatible – so if you've already submitted a form which uses the CVmail function, all your basic details will automatically be imported into it.
If you’ve any queries, please check our FAQ page. You might also like to hear what our Head of Recruitment has to say. If you need any further assistance, or would like any elements of the application process to be adapted to your requirements, please contact our Graduate Recruitment team on 0845 300 0491 or e-mail gradrec@cms-cmck.com
Whether you're completing an application form, taking part in an assessment or attending an interview, being prepared makes all the difference. Here are a few hints and tips to help you focus on what's important.
Application forms give us our first impression of you, so never underestimate their importance. Write clearly, check your spelling and watch your grammar. Many applicants fall at the first hurdle because their mistakes show that they lack attention to detail.
If you're asked to write about your achievements, academic or otherwise, keep them as current as possible. And make sure you answer the question. Think about the structure to your answer – have you introduced the example? Have you thought about what actions you took? And what were the results?
Interviews show us that you can combine your knowledge and intelligence with the ability to communicate. Again, preparation is key. Make sure you've read up on our firm. That said, repeating what you've read verbatim won’t impress us. Understanding what we're about will.
Remember to take your time. Speak clearly and concisely, and look your interviewer in the eye. If you don’t understand a question, don't bluff it – ask the interviewer to clarify. While enthusiasm is good, don't waffle or put on a performance. Just be yourself.
Assessment Exercises allow us to see how you perform under pressure. If working on a written exercise, show that you're attentive to detail. This is also an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your commercial awareness. Time management will be crucial to ensure you've answered the question.
In Group Exercises, we're looking for people who can manage their time, use information effectively and communicate confidently. Try to ignore the assessors, and think of your exercise as a “real life” situation.