Selection Process
Assessment Centres
For our 2012 graduate recruitment campaign, we have doubled the number of opportunities from previous years so, in theory, need to run more assessment centres than ever before. Practically, though, we simply can’t fit enough events in before May final exams! Therefore, our strategy for this year is smaller and fewer selection events but ensuring they are attended by the best quality graduates i.e. those who are passionate about a career with Nestlé and demonstrate the competencies we’re seeking. To ensure this happens, we have several stages along to the way:
Stage 1 – Submission of your Application Form
Progressing to this first assessment stage will depend on you fulfilling certain pre-assessment criteria around eligibility to work in the UK permanently (please see FAQ for further guidance on this), your degree result (achieved or expected) and your geographical mobility.
Assuming you meet the essential criteria, you’ll be asked to complete an application form. This will capture your contact details, qualifications and work experience then ask you to complete a series of questions. . Some of our questions are generic across all programmes and others are specific. They explore your motivations, knowledge and competencies. Whilst we appreciate that a lot of thought and time will go into completing these, do please take the time to give your best responses as this is your first chance to impress and only strong applicants will progress to the next stage of the process. Please note that you can save your application form as you go and complete it in several sittings. Just don’t forget to submit it before the closing date!
Stage 2 – Online Testing
If your application form is strong, you’ll be invited to complete a series of online tests. These are short tests from the Swift Analysis Series by Saville Consulting. Please click here for a link to their website http://www.savilleconsulting.com/products/aptitude.aspx
Full instructions will be provided by email on how to complete these tests. There are example questions you can complete before taking the online tests for real. Please ensure that you take these tests somewhere free from interruptions and note that you will not be able to stop the testing session and return to it later; all tests must be completed in the one sitting.
Stage 3 – YouTube Clip Submission
Energy, enthusiasm and making a strong positive impact are key behaviours in all our graduates. We would like to see evidence of this by asking you to submit a YouTube clip. It will be held on a private YouTube site, only accessed by Nestlé assessors. Full instructions will be provided with the brief.
Please note: We’re currently not planning on asking Placement Students and Summer Interns to submit a YouTube Clip but this may change as the campaign progresses – please watch this space!
Stage 4 – Telephone Interview
The final stage before our assessment centre is a 30-45 minute telephone interview with a manager from the function to which you have applied. They will explore your motivations, knowledge and competencies. They will also be looking for the same energy, enthusiasm and strong positive impact that we hope to see in your YouTube Clip so you may like to think about how you convey this over the telephone.
Please note: Placement Students and Summer Interns will not have a telephone interview
Stage 5 – Assessment Centre
Please refer to the separate ‘Preparing for Assessment Centre’ page for details on what to expect at this final stage.
For graduate programme vacancies, we will invite candidates to join us the evening before to meet and have dinner with 1-2 current graduates on the programme and to hear more about the function to which you’ve applied from one of our senior managers. The following day will be a full day assessment centre in York or Croydon.
For industrial placements and summer internships, you will be invited to a half or full-day assessment centre only, without the dinner and overnight stay. However, we will provide overnight accommodation for anyone who is based too far away to travel to the event for the start time.
