FAQs

What benefits do I get from applying through Focus Graduates rather than to a potential new employer direct?

We provide assistance and support from CV application to job offer. We like to establish strong relationships with our graduates by meeting you face to face, so we know your personality, experience, skills and most importantly, your career aspirations before joining one of our client companies. In addition many of our clients will only recruit graduates through us.

Will Focus Graduates reimburse me for my face to face interview?

Focus Graduates do not reimburse travel expenses but attempt to interview you at the closest most convenient location as possible.

Do you offer any undergraduate or industrial placement positions?

Unfortunately at this moment in time we don't. Our current clients offer post graduate schemes / full time permanent positions.

How long is the recruitment process?

This will depend on the client - if you have attended an assessment centre with one of our clients you will receive feedback within 24hours of attending from a Focus Graduates Consultant. In all other situations this will vary depending on the client. But we are here to help make this happen as quickly as possible.

Are there opportunities abroad?

Some of our clients offer positions abroad, but these opportunities will depend on a number of factors e.g. language skill, job role and time of year.

What level of qualifications do I need?

Most of our clients require a relevant degree or similar qualification from a leading university/education establishment.

Do any of your current clients offer further professional development?

Yes, some of our current clients offer Chartered status e.g. CIPS, CIMA etc.

What is the average starting salary for a graduate within the food industry?

Median graduate starting salary across Britain is £22,000.

Is it only new graduates you look for or do you consider candidates with some experience?

All applications are treated separately, and we place recent graduates and those with some industry experience.

What is the best time of year to apply? When do most of the graduate schemes start?

Our clients offer graduate positions all year round, but formal graduate schemes usually commence in September.

How should I prepare for a telephone/face to face interview?

Ensure you know the nature of the business/role you are applying to, its values, products, customers, locations and position within the food industry. Ask yourself why you want to work for this company and what you could add to this business.

What happens at an Assessment Centre?
This will vary depending on the client but generally you will have an introduction to the business, overview of the graduate scheme, an Interview, a Presentation to do, Psychometric Testing and a Group Exercise.

Does the client reimburse expenses incurred attending an Assessment Centre?
All reasonable expenses are reimbursed (train, petrol, taxi and in most cases hotels are either pre-booked by the client or reimbursed)