Graduate FAQs

What does the application process for graduates involve?

For our UK roles you will be required to complete an online strengths based assessment, and if successful you will be invited to complete our application form. The team will screen your application and send over to the relevant team who will decide whether you will progress to the interview stage. For our Europe roles (including Ireland) you will be required to upload an up to date CV and cover letter. The team will then decide whether to progress you to the interview stage. 

How long does the graduate scheme last for and what support and training will I receive?

All graduate roles are offered as permanent positions. As soon as you join us as a graduate you will be part of the early careers professional (ECP) network. This will provide you with a nurturing and challenging environment to help expand your horizons, develop new skills and make new connections. This is done through a range of talks, workshops, mentoring and informal/ formal learning.

As well as the ECP network, you will become a member of the Accelerating Your Future programme which runs for three years. This is a structured development programme for entry level professionals. Accelerating Your Future will introduce you to key business and commercial competencies, helping you to drive your career forward while improving your personal effective- ness, customer focus, communication and teamwork. 

Who will be supporting me as a graduate? 

We have a dedicated learning and development team who will be able to support you with your training and personal development. Alongside your line manager, buddy and mentor who will offer continuous support and guidance towards your professional career development. 

Is the graduate scheme rotational?

No, however, there are some teams in multidisciplinary offices who do provide a rotational programme. 

Can I work in other offices and internationally?

This is dependent on the business needs and projects. We recommend being open and honest with your manager if you have an interest in working in another office or internationally. 

What professional institutions do you support?

The main institutions we support for your chosen role and discipline should be detailed on the job description. If there is a professional institution that you are particularly interested in which is not listed on the job description, you can contact the early careers recruitment team or ask during your interview to find out more. 

Will I receive support towards Chartership?

You will be assigned a dedicated chartered mentor who will guide you to meet your professional goals and objectives. You will also have various online learning tools and courses at your fin- gertips ready and available to aid your development. 

What is the typical start date for graduate schemes and can I start earlier?

The typical start date for graduate schemes is September. However, specific teams and locations can offer an earlier or later start date which can be discussed at interview or offer stage. 

What salary do you offer?

We offer a competitive salary, which varies depending on the location of the role and your degree level, salaries are discussed at the point of offer. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package. 

How often are graduate salaries reviewed?

Once you have passed your probation your salary will be reviewed every six months for the first three years of employment.

I have a disability, are you able to provide support or adjustments throughout the recruitment process?

As a Disability Confident Committed organisation, we are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. We can make adjustments and offer support throughout the recruitment process to ensure that you have the best chance of success. Furthermore, if you are made an offer, we can then discuss with you the adjustments you might need to get on with the job and develop your career.We understand that there is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach to adjustments. 

If you would like to discuss any support you may require please contact the early careers recruitment team at earlycareers.recruitment@mottmac.com who will be able to assist you with your query. 

Should I inform you if I have a disability or long term condition?

We want you to perform at your best at each stage of our recruitment process and can make adjustments to ensure this. So, whether you consider yourself to have a disability or not, or would simply like to know how we can support you better, please contact us confidentially. Any conversations we have with you regarding disability and adjustments will be treated confidentially. 

As well as offering the opportunity to speak to us about your disability and any adjustments you may require, we also ask you to submit a diversity monitoring form as part of your application. In this form we ask candidates to disclose whether you have a disability. The diversity monitoring form is completely confidential, meaning no one involved in the recruitment process will be able to see your responses. All questions on the form are optional so it is up to you to decide whether you would like to share this information with us. We analyse the trends from the diversity monitoring form to understand how we are doing as an employer committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to identify how we can better support candidates with a disability. 

I am having problems accessing my account/I have forgotten my password, how do I resolve this?

Please try and reset your password and follow the instructions provided. If you created your account using LinkedIn, please ensure pop ups are enabled on your browser, and contact LinkedIn directly if you don’t know your password. if you are still experiencing problems please contact earlycareers.recruitment@mottmac.com. 

What do you look for in an application?

Make sure you demonstrate your interest in Mott MacDonald and most importantly, the role you are applying for. Ensure you provide relevant answers, examples and experience which will distinguish your keen interest in the discipline and sector. This could be demonstrated by providing any related modules or projects you have been involved in throughout your degree. Additionally, any work experience you have completed which you feel is relevant to the sector you are apply- ing to. Make sure your answers are clear, detailed, personal and relevant. Also, make sure to check your grammar and spelling before submitting your application. We are seeking people with drive, reliability, creativity and the willingness to continually learn. Try to demonstrate this throughout your application. 

In today's fast-paced and technology-driven world, we understand that candidates may use various tools, including AI, to enhance their applications. Whilst we embrace the changes technology brings, we also value the importance of authenticity and genuine human connection. 

At Mott MacDonald, we are interested in the unique qualities, experiences, and perspectives that you as an individual can bring. We want to emphasise that what truly sets you apart is your authentic self and to consider this when making an application. Please be prepared to answer questions during your interview, based on the information you have provided in your application form. 

What is the deadline to submit my application and will this reopen?

The majority of our roles does not have deadlines this year, so we recommend applying as soon as possible to not miss out on an opportunity. 

Is there a word limit for my application answers and will the length of my answers affect my chances of being progressed to the next stage?

There is no word limit, however, the more detailed your answers are, the stronger your application will be. We would recommend providing as much information to support your answers and ensure your answers are relevant to the scheme you are applying to. 

Can I make any changes once I have submitted my application?

No, unfortunately, you will not be able to make any changes to your application form once you have submitted it. 

When will I know whether my application has been successful?

The early careers recruitment team will be constantly processing applications once our opportunities are open. You will receive communication confirming the status of your application within 4 weeks of applying. If you have been successful, your application will be forwarded onto the relevant team for consideration. The business will then decide whether to progress you onto the interview stage and we would then contact you to arrange an interview. 

After the assessment, what is the next stage and how long do I have to complete it?

The next stage after the online assessment is the application form. You will have four days to complete your application. 

What does the online assessment involve?

This is a tailored and specific Mott MacDonald assessment which assesses the key behaviours and strengths that we feel are core to our business. It will involve scenario based questions which you are expected to answer honestly. There is also a numerical element to the assessment. 

Can I prepare beforehand?

No. You will not be expected to prepare before taking the online assessment.

I have not completed the online assessment within the four days allowance, can I request additional time?

Due to the way our system is set up, unfortunately we are not able to arrange an extension for your assessment/application. However you do have the option to delete your profile and re-apply. Please contact the early careers team on earlycareers.recruitment@mottmac.com for further information on how to do this. 

What is the online assessment used for?

Our assessment offers a fair and inclusive way to assess your suitability for our graduate roles, especially for those who may not have relevant work experience. Our assessments are carefully designed to reflect your natural behaviours and responses to everyday workplace scenarios, helping us understand how you might navigate real-life challenges in a professional environment. 

Is the online assessment timed and does this contribute to my overall score?

No, the online assessment is not timed and will not contribute to your overall score.

I am experiencing technical problems, how do I resolve this?

Firstly, follow the guidance provided on the assessment invite email. Please refresh your webpage and try clearing your cache and cookies. If you are still experiencing problems after following these steps, please contact the early careers recruitment team. 

When will interviews start taking place?

Interviews will start taking place as soon as applications have been screened and reviewed by the business. In most instances, interviews will be held in-person at one of our offices, however you may be invited for a remote interview via Teams in some instances. 

What is involved in the interview and how do I prepare?

Most of our graduate opportunities involve a single-stage interview process. However, some of our roles may include an assessment centre as part of the selection process - details of which will be outlined in the job description. During the interview, we’ll explore your motivations, technical knowledge, and strengths. By focusing on your strengths, we aim to gain a genuine understanding of your interests and behaviours. 

To help you prepare, we recommend researching Mott MacDonald - familiarise yourself with the types of projects we deliver, the challenges we face, and our core values. 

What is the recommended dress code for the interview? 

Our everyday dress code is smart/casual, reflecting a relaxed yet professional working environment. However, when attending an interview, we recommend dressing in a way that reflects  professionalism and shows you’ve made an effort. Smart attire, such as a shirt or blouse, tailored  trousers or skirt, and clean footwear, is encouraged to help you make a positive first impression. We want you to feel comfortable and confident, so please choose an outfit that aligns with your  personal style while maintaining a polished and professional appearance. 

What shall I do if I am running late to my interview or I can no longer attend? 

Contact the early careers recruitment team by replying to your interview confirmation email and cc the email address earlycareers.recruitment@mottmac.com. If you need to speak with someone urgently, please contact the office switchboard and ask to be transferred to the relevant recruiter 

Can I claim back travel expenses from my interview? 

If you are invited to attend a face to face interview, we will reimburse your travel expenses. You will receive the interview expense form in your interview confirmation email. Please return the form to the early careers team after your interview. 

What happens once an offer has been made? 

You will receive your offer documentation and onboarding instructions from the early careers recruitment team. Once you have formally accepted our offer, we will then provide you with a designated buddy from the team you will be joining who will be able to assist you with any queries prior to your start date. We will also invite you to our LinkedIn graduate community where you will be able to network and ask questions to other graduates joining this graduate intake. 

Yes, once the interview process is complete, you will receive a decision from the recruiter. We’ll also provide feedback, including a summary of your performance across each section of the interview. Additionally, you’ll have the option to schedule a call with a recruiter to discuss your feedback in more detail. 

Will I hear back if I am unsuccessful at the interview? 

Yes, once the interview process is complete, you will receive a decision from the recruiter. We’ll also provide feedback, including a summary of your performance across each section of the interview. Additionally, you’ll have the option to schedule a call with a recruiter to discuss your feedback in more detail.