FAQs for 2011 Graduate Programme Applications
We want to make sure you know all the facts before you apply to our Graduate Programme at H+K Strategies, so these FAQs are designed to answer some of the important questions you have been contacting us with.
If you have a question that has not been answered within these FAQs please do not hesitate to contact us at: iwanttobeagrad@hillandknowlton.com
Best of luck with your applications!
FAQs:
Q: How do I apply for the graduate scheme & when does the graduate scheme close?
A: Via our website http://www.hillandknowlton.co.uk/Graduate_programme. The deadline date for applications is midday Friday 28th October 2011.
Q: When will I find out if my application form has been successful?
A: We will let you know if your application has been successful between 28th October and Friday 25th November as we will then invite successful candidates to the first stage of the assessment process.
Q: When will my graduate placement start?
A: The graduate placement will start in January 2012.
Q: I don’t graduate until Summer 2012, can I still apply?
A: As long as you’ve completed your studies and can commit to a full time role in January, then yes you can still apply. However if 2012 is your final year, and your course is still running, then it will be better for you to apply for our graduate scheme in August/September 2012.
Q: Are any degrees considered more relevant to H+K Strategies?
A: No. We’re looking for new graduates with 2.1 degrees or above, who’ve ideally gained some relevant work experience such as PR internships or placements throughout their studies.
Q: What kinds of things are you looking for on an initial application form?
A: The ability to write in a concise and compelling way and a general understanding of the role PR and communications plays in a business and its brands. The next stages of our assessment process will assess a range of important skills.
Q: How many graduates are you hoping to select for the graduate scheme
A: Our aspiration is to select the best graduates for our scheme so the final number will depend on the achievement of the candidates through the assessment process.
Q: What is the starting salary for the graduate scheme and what benefits will I receive?
A: We will confirm compensation and benefits package at the latter stage of our assessment process.
Q: How does H+K Strategies’ two year rotational graduate scheme work?
A: Our two-year graduate scheme comprises of four six-month placements. Graduates are placed within a variety of industry sectors or specialist groups throughout the course of the scheme to gain a breadth of experience before they specialize. Our eight industry sectors are; Consumer Packaged Goods; Food + Drink; Retail + Leisure; Financial + Professional Services; Energy + Industrials; Healthcare; Sports Sponsorship + Marketing and Technology. Our specialist offers include Change + Internal Communications; Issues + Crisis Management; Corporate Reputation + Sustainability and Public + Third Sector.
Q: Can I choose which sectors I go to?
A: The industry sectors you’re placed in will be selected for you as the scheme is designed to provide you with experience of sectors you may not have previously considered. However your preferences will be taken into consideration.
Q: How will my progress be assessed on the graduate scheme?
A: You will be provided with tailored training, continuous assessments and mentoring. Feedback is considered from colleagues, clients, line managers and sector teams. In addition a range of projects will be assigned to you throughout the year as part of an ongoing assessment process.
Q: What is the advantage of joining as a graduate over joining as an intern?
A: Through the graduate development programme you will gain dedicated training, continuous assessments and mentoring not available to interns.
Q: What level will I be when I finish the scheme?
A: This is subject to individual performance through the scheme.
Q: Will I be guaranteed a job at the end of the scheme?
A: On your successful completion of the graduate scheme our intention is to offer a full-time position at Hill+Knowlton Strategies.
Q: What type of things could I be doing as a graduate?
A: A huge variety of activities which could include brainstorming a creative campaign, writing press releases, researching policy, organising an event, helping to manage a crisis or organising a launch party.
Q: What type of person is right for H+K Strategies?
A: There isn’t a ‘typical’ H+K Strategies person but the H+K Strategies way of doing things is that we work hard on behalf of our clients and we‘re always looking for new ideas and ways in which we can challenge our clients way of thinking and deliver best practice.
Q: I already know which sectors I want to work in. Is the graduate scheme for me?
A: Yes. We will aim to give you experience in that sector at some stage during your placement. Many of our graduates join the scheme with a sector in mind and change their view significantly as they have the opportunity to work in different parts of the business.
Q: I don’t want to commit to a two year graduate scheme. Are any other options available to me?
A: It may be worthwhile you applying for an internship. You can visit the careers page on our website for more details.
Q: I’m not a recent graduate. Is the graduate scheme for me?
A: Our graduate scheme is geared towards new and recent graduates looking for their first real experience in PR and communications. You may find it more useful to apply for a role in one of our industry sectors. Please visit the careers page on the website for a list of our current roles.
