Direct Employers

Andrea Goldie, Strategic Resourcing Consultant, Standard Life

What is a typical day like for you?

Graduate recruitment is very cyclical so a typical day varies greatly depending on the time of year. It can include being an assessor at a selection event, taking part in an external graduate employer forum or running an open day for University Careers Advisers.  

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Lots of things!  I am involved in a variety of different projects including Standard Life's graduate strategy, so there is always plenty to focus on. I am very fortunate as my role involves dealing with lots of different stakeholders every day. Many are colleagues within Standard Life but I also have a wide range of contacts at Universities, aswell as key suppliers.  

Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to get a traineeship at Standard Life?

Invest time in you application form and be prepared for each stage of the selection process.

What's the most annoying question you're asked by students?

We attend many different careers events and Universities and speak to lots of different students but I don't think I have ever thought about there being a most annoying question. I would just encourage students to make the most of time they have with company representatives and come prepared with the key things you want to find out. Company representatives are a rich source of information and can really help you find out about what the working environment is like, typical career paths and what opportunities there are.

What is the interview and application process like at Standard Life?

We have just recently reviewed our graduate selection process... here's what it involves -

• Application form
• On-line tests
• Telephone Interview
• Assessment Centre- interview, group exercises and a case study

What do you look for in a candidate?

We look for different things during the course of the graduate selection process, however, I would say that drive, initiative and commercial focus are vital qualities.  

Do you have any advice for students / graduates undertaking the interview process?

Take it seriously and be prepared. Use the resources around you to get a competitive advantage. Make the most of your Careers Service as they can provide you with all sorts of help and guidance. Thoroughly research the company you are applying to and find out as much as you can about what the role involves, this will help you stand out from the crowd.

What is the most common mistake you see candidates making?

There are some common mistakes that occur at different parts of the selection process, it's worth pointing out that most of these are easily resolved....

• Application form- it is usually small errors that make a big impact such as spelling and typo's. Double check what you have written or get someone else to review it for you.

• Online testing - these are usually timed, make sure you are in a quiet setting where you won't get disturbed. If you have not done on-line tests before try some practise questions beforehand so you know what to expect.

• Assessment Centre - most people find assessment centres a bit daunting, but try to relax and be yourself. The assessors are not there to catch you out, they want candidates to do well.

How should candidates approach you for feedback after an interview?

We offer all candidates feedback who have attended a graduate assessment centre. My advice would be, take this opportunity and use the feedback to your advantage. It's a great way to learn so that you can improve for your next interview or assessment centre.

What's a traineeship / career like in Standard Life?

Standard Life offers a fantastic opportunity to experience life as an in-house trainee solicitor and it's a great launchpad for your legal career. It is very much a team based environment and there are around 40 staff in Group Legal Services who provide legal support and advice across Standard Life. As a trainee, you will get first class experience working in some of our principal Legal areas such as Dispute Resolution, International, Pensions, Life, Investments and Commercial.

We also offer structured development to our trainees which includes a Professional Competence Course and possibly also the opportunity to take part in a trainee exchange.    

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