Apply now
Ok, so we've whetted your appetite and now you want to know what happens next. Questions are buzzing around your head… What are they looking for? How do I apply? What happens at the assessment centres?
Don’t worry, those questions are all answered, and in this section we'll give you all the 'must have' information to help make your application to IBM successful.
The selection process
Our process has been designed not only for us to understand if you are right for us, but also for you to understand if we are right for you. So, take every opportunity you can to ask questions along the way.
Please note all roles will be filled on a first come first served basis and we recommend you apply early to avoid disappointment. We often fill some roles well before the closing date for applications!
STEP 1 – Online application form
You need to apply online through this website. There are two parts to the application – the first is an online form that asks for personal details as well as information about your education and work experience. The second part is the IBM CV template.
Download the IBM CV template (DOC, 73.5KB)
The CV template is quite straightforward – it lists all the skills that we look for and asks you to give examples to demonstrate where you have used them. You can use examples from any aspect of your life - school, college, university, hobbies, charity work, work experience… demonstrating the skills we look for, is the best way to make us think ‘we must find out more about this person at an assessment centre’.
If your application is successful through the initial screening phase then we will invite you to take an online computer aptitude test (CAT) - the IBM IPAT test. If you are successful at this stage, your application will be fully screened by one of our Professional Development Managers.
The IBM IPAT test has been developed to test logical reasoning and the ability to process information quickly. All the instructions are included in the email that will be sent to you inviting you to take the test.
The test itself is divided into three sections, however, you will only be asked to complete two of the three sections. You can choose to take these in either one or two sittings. You will have seven days to complete the two sections before your password expires.
The test can be adjusted for anyone that needs a reasonable adjustment and you will be asked to self select whether you need this when you log on for the first time.
If you achieve the required score in the online test, we’ll invite you to an assessment centre. You’ll be given a presentation about the available opportunities with the chance to ask more questions, and you’ll get the opportunity to meet some of our current placement students.
You can expect to take part in some or all of the following activities:
- Group Activities
These will take the form of either logical problem solving exercises, discussion based exercises or case studies. - Confirmatory IPAT test
You will take a short confirmatory test for the online test you have already completed. This will follow the same format as the online test. - One to one Interview/Presentation
For the Industrial Placement Scheme only, you’ll give a 10 minute pre-prepared presentation to one of our Professional Development Managers. The topics will be given to you in advance of the day and you will also have to answer questions on your presentation. - Business Interview
In the majority of cases, you will have a business interview with one of our hiring managers to ascertain whether you have the skills we’re looking for in any current role or vacancy.
If you applied for an Industrial Placement role, we’ll invite you for a final ‘matching’ interview. This is an opportunity for you to meet one of our business managers and to ensure that the role we may potentially offer you is a good match for what you are looking for, and also that you have the specific skills that our roles require.
If you applied for an Extreme Blue Summer Internship role, we'll invite you to a Second Assessment Centre. At this, you will participate in a number of individual and group exercises.
Apply Now
Click on the relevant link below to apply for a role with us. You can only apply for one role.
Where the application form requests you upload your CV, please upload your completed IBM CV template. CVs in any other format will not be accepted.
Industrial Placements
We are no longer accepting applications for Industrial Placement roles.
Extreme Blue Summer Internship
We are no longer accepting applications for Extreme Blue roles.
What we look for
So, now you know the process, what are we actually looking for? Here’s the lowdown on the key qualities. Think about whether, and how, you can demonstrate them.
Adaptability
How do you cope with changing demands and stress? Are you flexible? Have you successfully completed several projects with competing deadlines?
Do you present information clearly, precisely and succinctly? Adapt the way you communicate to your audience? And listen to others?
Can you see a situation from a client’s viewpoint, whether that’s colleagues or customers? Can you anticipate their needs?
Do you use ingenuity, supported by logical methods and analysis, to propose solutions? Can you anticipate problems? Do you put forward innovative ideas?
Will you proactively learn new skills – even if they’re beyond the scope of your current job? Will you put in the time and energy needed to achieve results?
How do you work with others to achieve shared goals? Do you easily build relationships with others? Are you a team player?
Do you know what IBM does and what our most recent achievements are? Are you up to speed with the latest trends in our industry? What are the biggest challenges we face? (You’ll need the facts at your fingertips and the enthusiasm to match.)
Do you take responsibility for tasks/decisions? And implement decisions with speed? Can you show when you’ve worked to correct your mistakes?
Top Tips
Here’s where we’ll give you our top tips on surviving the selection process! These may all sound simple and obvious, but you would be surprised what basic mistakes are made during our selection process.
Throughout the process think about the skills IBM is looking for and how you can demonstrate to us that you have these.
Application Form
- Go for quality vs. quantity.
- Make sure that all the information you include is relevant.
- Spell and sense check your application. Spelling mistakes demonstrate a lack of care and attention to detail.
Our 3 top tips to help you get through the test are:
- Find somewhere quiet to take the test away from any distractions.
- There are sample questions for each part of the test, so take time understanding exactly what is required for each section. This part of the test isn't timed so you can take as long as you need.
- You don't have to sit the test all in one go. You have five days to take it and you can log in and out as many time as you like, so consider taking each section on a different day.
- Prepare & Practice. It will make all the difference!
- Re-read your application or CV beforehand.
- Have examples to back up any statements you make. If you say you are a good team player, be prepared to tell us why, how and when.
- Prepare your own questions to ask. It will show us that you have done some research into IBM.
We use assessment centres because it gives us the opportunity to see you in a number of situations. These are not designed to catch you out. If you attend an assessment centre think about the following:
- Your verbal and non-verbal communications.
- If you perform badly in one exercise, don't let it affect your overall performance.
- Listen to instructions and ask questions if you are unsure.
- Try to ignore the presence of the assessors who will be observing you during the exercises.
- Don't make assumptions about what we are looking for in each exercise.
- Be yourself!
Pearls of wisdom
“ Just be yourself. Don’t try and sell yourself as something different, because who you are is probably exactly what IBM want.”
“ Research IBM. Search news websites so that you’re familiar with what IBM does, and how that relates to your experiences.”
“ IBM loves confident people who are flexible, ambitious and good team players.”
“ Have confidence in yourself – assessors will pick up on your overall persona.”
“ Ignore the presence of the assessors on the assessment day, and if you think you’ve done badly in one exercise, don’t let it affect your performance in others.”
“ People who are genuinely excited about the prospect of a career with IBM really stand out from the crowd.”