FAQ's
Here are some of the questions most frequently asked by graduates interested in a career with HBOS. If your question is not answered here, or there is something else you would like to know, please email us at hbosgrads@hodes.co.uk and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
When do the programmes start?
The majority of HBOS graduate programmes are due to start in September 2008.
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Can I defer for a year?
If you are thinking of deferring, please contact the recruitment team before applying to check whether it would be possible.
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Do you offer undergraduate placements?
HBOS does not offer undergraduate placements at this time.
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Do you offer holiday work?
There are a number of businesses within the HBOS group which offer holiday work. Details of these are advertised in national and local press.
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Can I move between programmes?
HBOS is looking for graduates who have a clear idea of their career aspirations. We offer a wide variety of programmes, all of which offer specific training and development to enable you to benefit from your own unique talents. So there will be no immediate requirement for you to move between programmes.
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What will I be doing in the job?
The wide variety of programmes on offer means there is no quick answer to this question. Please see the programme descriptions and associated profiles for an insight into each role.
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Can I do a course/get a qualification while on the job?
HBOS strongly believes in the benefits of continuing professional development. The programmes offer personal development and technical training specific to your role. This will be a combination of internal and external training and where appropriate, and may lead to a professional qualification in your chosen field.
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Are there any part–time jobs?
HBOS graduate programmes are intensive training programmes designed to fast–track you to senior positions within the company more quickly than is usual. The structured nature of the programmes does not allow for part–time completion. HBOS does, however, offer a wide variety of other roles on a part–time basis. Details of these are advertised in national and local press.
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Do you have details of jobs outside of the programmes?
Details of other roles are advertised in national and local press and on our company websites.
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What will the Assessment Centre involve?
If invited to attend an assessment centre, you will receive a detailed outline of the day from the relevant business area nearer the time.
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Will you reimburse my travel expenses to assessment centres?
All reasonable costs will be reimbursed. Please make sure you keep your receipts.
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Will HBOS help me to get a work permit?
Unfortunately, HBOS is unable to assist with an application for a work permit.
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How long is a programme?
Please check the business areas on this site for the role you are interested in, as our graduate programmes have differing lengths.
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What are the promotion prospects?
All of the HBOS graduate programmes are designed to fast–track you to senior positions within the company more quickly than is usual. Due to the variety of businesses there is no single identifiable promotion line. However, the support is there to ensure that talented individuals can, and will, be in positions to add maximum value to our business.
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If I apply and I am rejected, can I apply again?
Candidates may only apply once a year. However, you are welcome to apply again next year. Please note that, unfortunately, we cannot carry applications forward for next year, as we cannot guarantee the business requirements.
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My degree is not in the area required but I have completed relevant modules – can I still apply?
The functions that require a specific degree subject are normally quite strict on their entry requirements. However, if you do think your modules have given you a high exposure to a certain area – e.g. Technology, or Finance, then please do give the team a ring and discuss your circumstances with them.
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I've got a technical problem with my application and have emailed 'support' – how long before I get a response?
You should receive a response within 48 hours of your request.
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I am interested in other non–graduate vacancies within HBOS; where can I get information on this?
Go to the HBOS website, www.hbosplc.com, click on 'About HBOS' and then the 'Recruitment' tab. The page will display a variety of website links to HBOS recruitment sites.
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What is the selection process?
There are typically four stages to the process: online application form; online tests; telephone interview; assessment centre – however, some business areas do differ slightly from this process.
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How will I hear about whether or not I have been successful at the various stages?
The vast majority of contact will be via email. Therefore, it is really important that you check your email account regularly, and ensure that you update your personal details on your application form should your email address change.
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