Frequently Asked Questions
When will the graduate vacancies open?
We will be accepting graduate applications from Monday 17th October 2011
When will the graduate vacancies close?
Due to the high volume of applications that we have received for our Graduate Programmes, our closing date will be brought forward to midday, Monday 12th December. Whilst we may re-open applications for some functions following this deadline, we strongly recommend that you apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment and ensure that your application is considered.
Can I apply to more than one graduate programme?
No. Due to the high number of applications we receive for all our graduate programmes we would prefer you invested time to do your research and select the programme that you feel is most suitable for you.
Can I apply by post?
No, you'll need to complete an online application form via the graduate website.
How long will it take me to apply for a position?
This will vary greatly from person to person but, typically, please expect it to take about 2-3 hours to fully complete your application form but the good news is that you don’t have to do this in one sitting. You can save as you go along so you can complete it in as many sittings as you like (just don’t forget to submit before the deadline!). Please include all of the information that you would like us to consider. We really appreciate the time and commitment it takes to complete the application process.
Do you accept applications from international students?
Although the graduate development programme is 18 months - 3 years in duration (depending on the function), we hope that our graduates will continue to develop in - and add value to – our business for many years beyond the official end of the programme. You will be a key part of our succession plan as you continue on your journey to become leaders of the future. Therefore, although we welcome applicants from international students, you will need to have eligibility to live and work in the UK on a full-time permanent basis. For those who are not eligible, we do have a presence in most countries worldwide so please feel welcome to explore our general careers website www.careers.nestle.com where you can search for vacancies worldwide. We regret that we are unable to offer any sponsorship for our graduate vacancies.
Who has access to my data once I've registered?
Only the Nestlé recruitment team.
How long will it take to process my application?
We review applications on an ongoing basis. We will endeavour to let you know how your application is progressing within one week of the deadline for applying.
I'm having technical difficulties with the online application system. What should I do?
For Industrial Placement, Summer Internship or Graduate vacancies, please email enquiry@nestlegraduates.co.uk For general recruitment queries and other roles, please email recruitment@uk.Nestlé.com
Is there a helpline number?
Most of the information you should need is on our website but we recognise there may be occasions where you need to speak to someone. Please call our dedicated Helpline on 01635 584133.
How will you get in touch with me?
We will keep in touch with you regularly regarding the status of your application either by email or by phone. Once you have registered your details for our graduate, placement or intern opportunities, you are able to track the progress of your application in your ‘My Account’ area by visiting www.nestlegraduates.co.uk and entering your log-in details.
What does the selection process for the Graduate Programme involve?
For more details please visit the Our Selection Process section of this website
Does Nestlé reimburse travel expenses for attending an assessment centre?
Yes. We will send you full details of this when we confirm your assessment centre place. All graduate programme assessment centres include an overnight stay. For those applying for industrial placements or summer internships, wWe e will also offer to pay for an overnight stay before or after the assessment centre should this be necessary due to your distance from the assessment centre location.
What is the starting salary for the Graduate Programme?
£27,000 with a £2,000 welcome bonus and London weighting if applicable. Industrial Placement students will receive a salary of £16,500 and Summer Interns will receive the same on a pro-rata basis.
Do I need a driving license?
If you have applied for a place on our Sales Graduate Programme, you will be required to hold a full driving license by your start date with the company. If you have applied for any of our other programmes, it is highly recommended that you hold a full driving license as you will be required to relocate from time to time throughout the course of the graduate programme.
I only want to work in a certain location. Can I still apply for a role?
Our graduate programme requires geographical mobility throughout the UK. We have factories spread from Scotland to the South and offices in Croydon and York. For most of our programmes, you’ll change location at least once and possibly up to four times during the programme. We therefore need all of our graduates to be flexible about where they work. This helps ensure the best possible opportunities. For our industrial placements you are more likely to remain in one location. Summer internships will definitely remain in one location. Please refer to the programme facts on each programme for further clarity around locations
As part of the graduate programme, are there various placements across the company or are they all within the specific function I apply for e.g. Supply Chain?
You will join a specific function and all your placements will be rotating within the specific function you apply for in various UK locations to enable you to gain a wide variety of experiences within this function and a solid foundation to your career.
I am interested in working for one of Nestlé's other global offices. How do I find out more?
Please visit www.nestle.com for details on how to get in contact with our
other global offices.
Will I be offered the opportunity to work abroad as part of the Graduate Programme?
All of our opportunities are to work for Nestlé in the UK. It is very unlikely that you will spend time abroad whilst on the graduate programme. But as a truly global business, there is scope for top performers to be considered for international assignments in the future. However, there is no guarantee of this. Therefore, our programmes will not suit someone looking for an international career from the outset
When would I start work with Nestlé on the Graduate Programme?
In the past, all of our graduate programmes have started in September. However, we’ve introduced several new functions this year and massively increased our vacancy numbers. We’re therefore looking to introduce a dual intake each year in February and September. This 2012 campaign is looking for graduates who are available to start in September 2012 but, for some functions, we’re also looking for a February 2012 start although this won’t be available to all graduates,
What training and development will I receive on the Graduate Programme?
Nestlé offers a structured development programme to all graduates. To find out more have a look at our graduate development programme page.
Does Nestlé provide the opportunity to gain any externally recognised professional qualifications?
This is function dependent, within engineering you can work towards achieving chartered engineering status, within HR you can study towards your CIPD and within Finance study towards CIMA. Nestlé support this through our study leave policy, finances and other resources to help facilitate your success with these.
Will I be assigned a mentor to support me when I first join the company?
Yes, we have a mentor programme to help support and guide you during your early career at Nestlé and all graduates are matched to a suitable mentor within your first year of joining the company.
