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Application Process

When applying for one of our programmes there are five steps to the application process.

 

We recruit on a rolling basis, which means roles will be filled on a first come first served approach, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

 

We want you to make the best of your application, so before you get started, watch our hints and tips video and read through the FAQs and hints and tips section to help answer any questions you may have.  

Let's begin

Step 1 - Online application

We want to make the process as straightforward as possible. The first thing you'll need to do is research our opportunities available to you and apply (remember you are only able to apply for one programme).

 

Before hitting the apply button make sure the device you're applying on has connection to the internet, microphone and camera access. If you don't have these available let us know by calling 01635 888361 or email apprenticeshipandgraduaterecruitment@tesco.com 

 

When answering any of our questions during the application stage, please read carefully the guidance notes shown next to the question you're being asked. You'll be asked whether you have a disability or long-term health condition so we can make any reasonable adjustments necessary to support you with your application. You'll also move straight to the video interview stage, in line with our commitment to the guaranteed interview scheme for those with a disability or long-term health condition.

Step 2 - Game-based assessment

There will be four games to play, taking 15 minutes in total to complete. These fun games can be played on your phone, laptop or desktop and will help us to understand you a little better. You’ll learn about yourself too as you will receive feedback after you’ve completed them.

 

The games contain a series of game-based psychometric assessments, these will measure your cognitive skills, behavioural preferences, numerical and abstract reasoning abilities.  An example of this would be, how you overcome challenges and make decisions. A decision on your outcome to move through to the next stage will be received shortly after completion.

 

If you need any support or reasonable adjustments during our process, and haven't already told us, you can reach us at apprenticeshipandgraduaterecruitment@tesco.com or call 01635 888361 to discuss the details further.

Step 3 - Video interview assessment

We’ll ask you to record your responses to a variety of questions mapping to our Tesco Leadership behaviours. To help you prepare we’ve detailed these behaviours in our hints and tips section below.

 

Our video interviews are assessed by AI. Applicants that pass the recommended score will move to the next stage. Sometimes, a member of the team will need to review your video interview which may lead to a slight delay in receiving your feedback. 

 

The AI algorithm has been designed and tested to be objective, and focuses on the things that are important to the programme you’ve applied to. It has been, and continues to be, tested for bias.

 

Once you've accessed the interview platform, you can ask for reasonable adjustments. Or you can reach us at apprenticeshipandgraduaterecruitment@tesco.com or call 01635 888361 to discuss any support you may need.

Step 4 - Virtual Discovery Centre

The final stage of our recruitment process is a Virtual Discovery Centre. The day has been designed for you to learn more about Tesco as a business. You’ll explore topics at the heart of everything we do throughout the exercises you will take part in.

 

The day will consist of working in groups and individually, on a variety of topics that help you learn even more about the work we do. Due to the success and feedback we have received from candidates over the previous year, our Discovery Centres will be held virtually. We will help all invited candidates to understand what to expect on the day, by holding a group coaching call.

 

If you've requested reasonable adjustments, we will contact you to discuss your individual needs ahead of the day. If you need any support and haven't yet asked for this, you can reach us at apprenticeshipandgraduaterecruitment@tesco.com or call 01635 888361 to discuss any support you need.

Step 5 - Outcomes

After you’ve taken part in our Virtual Discovery Centre we will let you know whether you’ve been successful. You'll receive a phone call providing you with feedback whatever the outcome, which will be followed up with a written feedback report. We value your time and interest in Tesco and by providing you with in depth feedback we hope that this will help you on your career path, wherever that may take you.

 

 

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Step 1 - Online application

We want to make the process as straightforward as possible. The first thing you'll need to do is research our opportunities available to you and apply (remember you are only able to apply for one programme).

 

Before hitting the apply button make sure the device you're applying on has connection to the internet, microphone and camera access. If you don't have these available let us know by calling 01635 888361 or email apprenticeshipandgraduaterecruitment@tesco.com 

 

When answering any of our questions during the application stage, please read carefully the guidance notes shown next to the question you're being asked. You'll be asked whether you have a disability or long-term health condition so we can make any reasonable adjustments necessary to support you with your application. You'll also move straight to the video interview stage, in line with our commitment to the guaranteed interview scheme for those with a disability or long-term health condition.

a candidate on a laptop

Step 2 - Game-based assessment

There will be four games to play, taking 15 minutes in total to complete. These fun games can be played on your phone, laptop or desktop and will help us to understand you a little better. You’ll learn about yourself too as you will receive feedback after you’ve completed them.

 

The games contain a series of game-based psychometric assessments, these will measure your cognitive skills, behavioural preferences, numerical and abstract reasoning abilities.  An example of this would be, how you overcome challenges and make decisions. A decision on your outcome to move through to the next stage will be received shortly after completion.

 

If you need any support or reasonable adjustments during our process, and haven't already told us, you can reach us at apprenticeshipandgraduaterecruitment@tesco.com or call 01635 888361 to discuss the details further.

Candidate on a laptop

Step 3 - Video interview assessment

We’ll ask you to record your responses to a variety of questions mapping to our Tesco Leadership behaviours. To help you prepare we’ve detailed these behaviours in our hints and tips section below.

 

Our video interviews are assessed by AI. Applicants that pass the recommended score will move to the next stage. Sometimes, a member of the team will need to review your video interview which may lead to a slight delay in receiving your feedback. 

 

The AI algorithm has been designed and tested to be objective, and focuses on the things that are important to the programme you’ve applied to. It has been, and continues to be, tested for bias.

 

Once you've accessed the interview platform, you can ask for reasonable adjustments. Or you can reach us at apprenticeshipandgraduaterecruitment@tesco.com or call 01635 888361 to discuss any support you may need.

Candidate on a laptop

Step 4 - Virtual Discovery Centre

The final stage of our recruitment process is a Virtual Discovery Centre. The day has been designed for you to learn more about Tesco as a business. You’ll explore topics at the heart of everything we do throughout the exercises you will take part in.

 

The day will consist of working in groups and individually, on a variety of topics that help you learn even more about the work we do. Due to the success and feedback we have received from candidates over the previous year, our Discovery Centres will be held virtually. We will help all invited candidates to understand what to expect on the day, by holding a group coaching call.

 

If you've requested reasonable adjustments, we will contact you to discuss your individual needs ahead of the day. If you need any support and haven't yet asked for this, you can reach us at apprenticeshipandgraduaterecruitment@tesco.com or call 01635 888361 to discuss any support you need.

Candidates on a teams virtual discovery centre day

Step 5 - Outcomes

After you’ve taken part in our Virtual Discovery Centre we will let you know whether you’ve been successful. You'll receive a phone call providing you with feedback whatever the outcome, which will be followed up with a written feedback report. We value your time and interest in Tesco and by providing you with in depth feedback we hope that this will help you on your career path, wherever that may take you.

 

 

Colleague talking on a phone
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Aliyah, Graduate -
"The application process was much more enjoyable than other processes that I've been through. Tesco provide a lot of support and I would I highly recommend utilising this"

colleague-in-t-shirt-and-hoodie-stood-in-office-atrium
Play video

Diversity and inclusion

At Tesco, inclusion means that Everyone’s Welcome. Everyone is treated fairly and with respect; by valuing diversity, individuality and uniqueness we create a sense of belonging.

 

Diversity and inclusion have always been at the heart of Tesco. It is embedded in our values: we treat people how they want to be treated.  We always want our colleagues to feel they can be themselves at work and we're committed to helping them be at their best.

 

Across the Tesco group we are building an inclusive workplace, a place to actively celebrate the cultures, personalities and preferences of our colleagues – who in turn help to build the success of our business and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

 

To support this ambition, we have inclusion training so all colleagues can play a part in creating and nurturing a culture where everyone feels valued and respected. We also have six colleague networks (Armed Forces, Race & Ethnicity, Disability, LGBTQ+, Women at Tesco and Parent & Carers) that support colleagues to bring their whole selves to work.

Four people sitting and chatting

Diversity and inclusion in recruitment

Here at Tesco we celebrate diversity; whoever you are, wherever you work, and whatever you do, everyone’s welcome. We’re all unique in ways you can and cannot see. We aim to attract, develop, and nurture talent wherever it exists, and build great teams which reflect our local communities so that we can provide the best possible service to our customers. We're committed to creating a workplace where differences are valued and ensure that all colleagues are given the same opportunities. 

 

Our online digital recruitment process removes the potential for unconscious bias and our process remains fair and consistent throughout. 

 

If you need any support or reasonable adjustments during our process and would like to have a conversation about what we can offer you, all you would need to do is advise us in good time so that we can offer you the right support, so you can be at your best. You can reach us at apprenticeshipandgraduaterecruitment@tesco.com or call us on 01635 888361 to discuss the details further.

 

If you’d like to access the information on this website in the way that suits you best, you can use the accessibility toolbar to make adjustments.

 

a group of people sitting and chatting

Robyn, our Technology Product Graduate -
"I really enjoyed my interview! Whilst challenging, my interviewers were so kind and great at guiding me through the questions. It was a much more conversational, exploratory and collaborative experience than I expected!"

Hints and tips

Please find below some hints and tips to help you make the best of your application.

Here are our Tesco Leadership behaviours.  The video interview focuses on these behaviours so have a think about them before hand and try to think of some examples.

 

Collaboration

- Working as a team to share in joint success

- Partnering/connection with others

 

Resilience

- Looking after yourself so you can be at your best

- Knowing how to respond when things get tough

- Making the choices to see the positives around you

 

Innovation

- Being open to new ideas

- Looking ahead and welcoming the future

- Taking little steps that make a big difference

 

Empathy

- Putting people first

- Taking time to see, hear and recognise others

- Building authentic, trusted and helpful relationships

 

Responsiveness

- Thinking on your feet, making decisions even if the answer isn’t clear cut

- Being brave, taking a measured risk and learning from its outcome

- Embracing the challenges of an unpredictable world

- Commercial Awareness

We've created a video to give you some helpful hints and tips to help you with your application. 

 

Make sure you answer all of the questions on the online application as accurately as possible. You'll need to make sure you've completed all of the details and make sure to check that your contact number and email address is correct so that we can contact you.

 

You'll only able to apply for one apprenticeship, graduate or internship programme for this recruitment cycle, September 2022 - August 2023, so please make sure you’re happy with the programme you’re applying for. 

 

We welcome applications from candidates who have their own right to work in the UK. For both temporary and permanent roles, you will be asked to provide evidence of your right to work during the early stages of the application process, and you must maintain and be able to demonstrate your right to work throughout the duration of your employment. Please note that Tesco are unable to sponsor any candidates for apprenticeship and graduate roles as the Home Office's eligibility criteria will not be satisfied.

You don’t have to do any preparation and you don’t need to be a gamer to succeed.  All we ask is that you find the right environment for you to be able to be at your best whilst playing the games. There are no right or wrong answers. This is a great opportunity for you to find out more about yourself as you'll receive feedback straight after you’ve completed the games. Make sure you have your phone or camera on hand to capture a screen shot of your feedback for future use.

Of course, just click here and it will take you to a practice game-based assessment so you know what to expect.

 

We understand that a video interview may not be the most comfortable thing for some of you and know it can be difficult to be yourself in front of a camera. It’s important that you:

 

- Find a quiet place that's free of distractions

- Relax and take your time before answering the questions

- Have your notes to hand, it’s ok to refer to them

- Get the right lighting, camera position and background

- Speak slowly and clearly, this will help keep your nerves in check and your answers clear and concise

- Look at the camera rather than the screen as this will help

- Go through the practice questions ahead of time so that you know what the process feels like, these questions will not be assessed

 

We're not too formal here so there’s no need to get suited and booted, smart casual dress is good for us. And maybe get a glass of water to help you along the way!

 

When you're ready to start the interview, you will be asked a series of questions. You will have 30 seconds before the camera starts recording and then you have three minutes to answer each question. Don’t feel like you have to use all three minutes, as long as you are happy with the answer you have provided, just move on when you’re ready.

 

If you need any reasonable adjustments there will be an option at the start of your video interview to select reasonable adjustments where you will be allocated additional time. If you're unsure about your support needs, please reach out to us before you start your video interview at apprenticeshipandgraduaterecruitment@tesco.com or call us on 01635 888361 and we will be happy to help. 

 

We understand that a Virtual Discovery Centre may be new to you. To help set you up for success we will be providing you with an opportunity to attend a coaching session to help understand what to expect on the day.

 

Our Virtual Discovery Centre has been designed with you in mind, this will enable you to relax and show us the best version of you whether the day be virtual or face to face.

 

This day is a two way process; it will allow you the opportunity to get involved with some of the great innovations we have here whilst meeting our business leaders and some of our current apprentices and graduates.

 

Prior to your Virtual Discovery Centre we will provide you with an overview of the day and some light reading.  It’s important that you understand your motivations for joining the programme and research the area of choice and wider business.

 

During the day you will be assessed during three exercises. There will be a group discussion, a 121 conversation based upon a real business scenario that you’ll be presented with on the day and we’ve replaced the traditional competency interview with a motivational interview to assess your passion for Tesco and your chosen programme. It's really important that you contribute and take part throughout the day as this will help us get to know you.

 

To help set you up for success, if you need any reasonable adjustments for the Virtual Discovery Centre please respond to the invite letting us know what reasonable adjustments you need. Alternatively a colleague from the recruitment team will be happy to talk through your requirements with you to help put your mind at ease.

After the Virtual Discovery Centre, a member of the team will call you to give you your feedback and the outcome from the day. The feedback will be captured throughout the Virtual Discovery Centre and is provided to help you to reflect on any key messages and how you might use them in the future.

Remember it's a two-way process. You’ll be at the Virtual Discovery Centre to identify if Tesco is the right business for you, and that it aligns with your passions and values, as well as us assessing your suitability to the programme. Throughout the day we’ll want to see your passion and motivation, so it’s important to take your time in answering the questions. If you're unclear about any questions you're asked, then ask for clarification. Don’t panic if there’s a short silence whilst you are thinking of your response. Use the day to learn about yourself, reflect on any key messages and how you might use them going forward.

'Every little help makes a big difference' is a core value at Tesco. It drives what we do every day for our colleagues around the world, in the thousands of communities where we operate, and for the millions of customers we serve. It is also the idea at the heart of our Little Helps Plan, which sets out how Tesco will make a difference to the social and environmental challenges that matter most to our customers, colleagues, communities and planet. This is the area we have chosen for our Virtual Discovery Centre.

 

We can make the greatest contribution by focusing on our people, our products and our places, the three pillars of the Little Helps Plan. Underpinning these pillars are a number of areas where we remain committed to doing the right thing, which we call our Foundations, and cover important issues such as carbon reduction, health and wellness, CSR, health and safety and cyber security.

 

The Plan is driving us to create a business where colleagues can get on, whatever their background; to help customers make healthier choices and enjoy good quality, sustainable products, at affordable prices; to ensure no food that could be eaten is wasted; to reduce the environmental impact of our packaging; and support the communities we serve. Since launching the Little Helps Plan in 2017, we have made good progress on all these areas. You can access our 2019 update below.

 

For more information on the Little Helps Plan, go to our PLC site https://www.tescoplc.com/little-helps-plan/

If you have a disability and/or long term health condition, please let us know so we can make any reasonable adjustments necessary to support you with your application. You can reach us at apprenticeshipandgraduaterecruitment@tesco.com or call 01635 888361 to chat about the details further.

 

If you have a disability and/or long term health condition, you'll move straight to our video interview stage, in line with our commitment to the guaranteed interview scheme for those with a disability or long term health condition.