UK CAREERS | TIPS AND ADVICE

Understanding what we do and how we help our customers and business prosper will help you make an informed decision about progressing your career with us and prepare you for the recruitment process.

It’s always beneficial to have a look at our company and careers websites to find out more out about the size and structure of our organisation. You can also look at our  Glassdoor or LinkedIn page’s to see what our people say and the impact we make on our customers.

Throughout the recruitment process we will be talking to you about your skills, experience and how you feel they will help make a difference, so before attending an interview think of suitable examples of these. You can approach the recruitment team for guidance at any point throughout the process.

At every stage throughout your application, be ready to consider the core Santander behaviours. The behaviours describe how we act day-to-day with our colleagues, customers, shareholders and communities;

• Bring passion
• Talk straight
• Embrace change
• Show respect
• Speak up
• Keep promises
• Give support
• Truly listen
• Actively collaborate

Take the time to review the job advert and check that you meet the minimum requirements for that role and ensure that you are eligible to apply. 

Please ensure that all the information you provide is accurate throughout the process. 

Allow yourself sufficient time to complete your application. It should take around 10 – 15 minutes, ensuring you pay attention to word count limits and be sure to proofread your application before submitting.

Consider the opportunity – we will be looking to see how your skills and experience match the role you’ve applied for.  Please be prepared to demonstrate in depth, examples of how you have developed the relevant skills for your role. 

If you require any assistance in completing your application, please let one of our team now and we can help.

We may invite you to complete one of the following online tests as part of your recruitment process;

• Situation Judgement test
• Numerical test
• Verbal reasoning test

More information will be made available to you if you are invited to complete a test.

Once you’ve applied, we’ll review your application. If you match the required criteria for the role, a member of the resourcing team will contact you to have a short 20 minute conversation. This is to get to know you and your experience a little better and bring it to life. They’ll also ask you about your right to work in the UK.

Please make sure you can take the call in a quiet location to avoid distractions and if using a mobile phone ensure you are somewhere where the signal is strong

If you are invited to attend an interview or assessment centre there are a few things to think about before you arrive.

• Plan your journey in advance and make sure you know where you are going. Some of our sites have limited parking so please ask before about available spaces or nearby parking.
• If you require any reasonable adjustments when coming to see us, please let us know in advance so we can accommodate.
• Please wear standard business dress
• Take note of your points of contact for your interview
• Please inform us if you have any dietary requirements if you are coming in for a full day’s assessment
• If you are going to be timed during any part of the interview or assessment, then a great tip is to make sure you wear a watch or have a timer on a phone (but do put your phone into a “do not disturb” or airplane mode)
• Please turn your phone off before going into the interview to avoid unwanted distraction

• Its quite normal for some people to feel nervous before or even during an interview/assessment. Give yourself time to relax and compose yourself, feel free to bring your notes with you and ask for a drink if one hasn’t been offered.
• Be prepared. Do your research on the company and be prepared to talk about the role as well as your motivation for applying.
• If you are attending a telephone/video interview, please remember to dial in to your call a bit earlier so that in case of any technical issues you are still on time
• Test your microphone and speakers/headset beforehand to ensure good quality of the call
• Dial in from a quiet place where nothing/no one can distract you
• Make sure the background for any virtual call is appropriate or use a suitable background image.
• Engage with your interviewers: maintain eye contact, listen to the questions asked and be confident – remember this is your time to shine.
• We would love to know what made you interested in the role so please ask questions about the role, the team and what life is like at Santander.