Graduate Application Process
Our Graduate Application Process
Applying for a graduate programme shouldn’t be complicated. We keep things simple, fair and designed to give everyone the chance to show their strengths - no jargon, no trick questions, no surprises.
Here’s what to expect:
Stage 1: Online Application
Applications open in November and close in December - check the advert for the exact dates.
This is your chance to introduce yourself. You’ll complete a short online form and upload your CV so we can get to know you - your studies, experience and what interests you about Scottish Water.
Top tip: We get thousands of applications for our graduate programme each year. A thoughtful cover letter goes a long way in helping you stand out from the crowd. Tell us why you’re interested in Scottish Water and what you’d bring to the team.
If you need any adjustments or support with your application, just let us know when you apply. We’ll make sure the process works for you. Find out more in our FAQs section.
FAQS
For more support and information about the application process, check our Frequently Asked Questions.
Careers InformationStage 2: Online Skills Assessment
Assessment activity starts in December with our online skills assessment, which we’ve designed to be fun (no, really!).
It’s a short set of gamified questions and activities that help us understand your strengths and how you like to approach challenges. You can complete it on your phone, tablet or laptop - whatever works best for you. We’ll send clear instructions so you know exactly what to expect.
Stage 3: Individual Interview
If you’re successful, we’ll invite you to a one-to-one interview with one of our hiring managers in February/March. It usually lasts around an hour and gives us the chance to learn more about you - and, importantly, for you to learn more about us.
We’ll talk about your experiences, what motivates you and how you like to work. You’ll have time to ask your own questions too - about the role, the team or what life at Scottish Water is really like. Think of it as a two-way conversation, not an interrogation.
To help you feel confident and prepared, we’ll send you the interview questions in advance= - no surprises. You can expect questions that reflect our Scottish Water Character, as well as competency-based questions tailored to the role you’ve applied for.
What is the Scottish Water Character?
Our Character is all about the behaviours and values that we demonstrate every day when working at Scottish Water. It's what makes us, well... us.
We look for people who embody these four characteristics every day:
Bold. Responsible. Inspiring. Caring
Characteristics
What BRIC means to us
BOLD
• Being bold is about having the courage to seize opportunities and the self-belief to set ambitious goals and targets.
• It’s about seeing the need to embrace change and move forward.
• Bold people show a ‘can-do’ attitude about their work and the courage to suggest new ideas and try new ways of working.
RESPONSIBLE
• Responsibility is core to who we are. It’s about openness, transparency, and ethics.
• It builds the foundations for trust and confidence both internally and externally.
• Responsible people demonstrate a readiness and curiosity to learn, to calmly solve problems and to take accountability for making things happen.
INSPIRING
• Inspiration is about the relationships we build with our colleagues and customers.
• It can be about motivating and inspiring your teammates to achieve their goals and reach their potential. And it can be about inspiring trust and confidence in each other, and striving for excellence.
• Inspiring people have a positive vision for the future and collaborate with others to make that future a reality.
CARING
• Caring is about looking out for our customers, colleagues and communities, and making their safety and welfare a priority.
• We also play a critical role in caring for our nation’s natural environment and how we contribute to the development of a flourishing Scotland.
Top Tip: Our interviews aren’t designed to be memory tests. Feel free to bring a note pad with you if you want to refer to notes. Try not to over prepare or take really detailed notes, or you might end up just reading your answers. Instead, just jot down some bullet points to jog your memory.
We’re really looking forward to getting to know you better.
What happens next?
If you’re offered a place, you’ll go through pre-employment checks in the spring, including a standard criminal record check.
All new graduates start together in September, with a week-long induction in Glasgow. It’s a great mix of learning and connection - you’ll meet our leaders, visit operational sites, get to know your fellow graduates and have a lot of fun along the way.
