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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 start in September. Our Corporate schemes also offer an April intake.
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Can I defer for a year?
Due to the changing nature of our business, we are unable to offer application deferral at this time.
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Do you offer undergraduate placements?
We offer several summer placement schemes. Please find out more in the relevant Schemes section of this website.
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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, as well as on our main Jobs at HBOS careers website.
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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’ll 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, 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 offer a wide variety of other roles on a part-time basis. Details of these are advertised in national and local press, as well as on our main Jobs at HBOS careers website.
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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, as well as on our main Jobs at HBOS careers website
.
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What will the Assessment Centre involve?
If invited to attend an assessment centre, you’ll receive a detailed outline of the day from the relevant business area nearer the time, but typically we’ll be setting you challenges to learn more about your skills/experiences and core capabilities.
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Will you reimburse my travel expenses to assessment centres?
All reasonable costs will be reimbursed (details will be sent to you along with information about the assessment centre once you get to that stage). Please make sure you keep your receipts.
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Will HBOS help me to get a work permit?
Currently HBOS is unable to assist with an application for a work permit. As from November 2008, a new points based system is being introduced by the UK Borders Agency and HBOS will not provide certificates of sponsorship for graduate vacancies, under this new system.
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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 from 15 months – three years dependent on the scheme you join.
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What are the promotion prospects?
The HBOS graduate programmes are designed to fast-track you to senior positions within the company more quickly than is usual or to help you gain the technical skills required to become a true specialist in your chosen field. 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 and progress their careers.
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If I apply and I am rejected, can I apply again?
Candidates may only apply once a year. However, you’re welcome to apply again next year. Please note that 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?
View this list of HBOS recruitment sites.
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What is the selection process?
There are typically four stages to the process; an online application form, an online test, a telephone interview and an 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’s 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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