Application guidance and tips

The most important question

The Unilever graduate programme is highly competitive. So it’s crucial that your application form is an accurate and compelling statement of your interest in and suitability for the programme and the business area you are applying for. If you’re struggling to answer the questions, step back and ask yourself whether this is really the kind of career you want and are suited for.

Make a good impression

Fill out your application carefully as this is your first opportunity to make a good impression. Allow yourself plenty of time to complete it, and make sure you answer all of the questions. The answers you give will serve as the basis for your interview, so, keep a copy of your form and be ready to talk in depth about the points you raise.  If you get through to the Selection Day, senior managers from our business will see your form - so make sure it’s accurate and that you spell check it.   

Use examples

Be selective, concise and relevant in your answers. Think about what the question is looking for and try to use examples from all aspects of your academic, working and social life to convince us that you’re ready for this type of role and responsibility.

Details we definitely need

Check that your contact phone number and email address are correct. These are our only way to contact you.

What we are looking for

Throughout our recruitment process we assess candidates against our leadership competencies (called Standards of Leadership), so it's worth familiarising yourself with these and considering how you measure up against each one. Our recruitment process is rigorous, so if you don't fulfil these criteria it's best to realise this before investing the time in applying.

Competencies - Standards of Leadership

Growth mindset 

You have a positive attitude about the company's future and a passion for growth and winning. You take the lead and seek fresh opportunities; insist on innovation and never settle for 'good enough'.

Consumer and Customer Focus

You have a passion to improve the lives of our consumers and customers and bring their voice into everything we do and the decisions we make. You are externally focused and go the extra mile in order to exceed consumer and customer expectations.

Bias for action 

You bring a sense of urgency to getting things done and making tough decisions, avoiding over-debating or over-analyzing issues. You're results-focused, and drive for simplification by keeping the end goal in sight at all times. 

Accountability and Responsibility 

You make commitments and hold yourself accountable for delivery. You take pride in delivering work to the highest standards and acknowledges when things are not up to scratch. You let people know clearly, at the beginning what is expected in terms of performance and hold them accountable for delivery. 

Building Talent and Teams 

You inspire through action and lead by example. You challenge people to do their best work and spend time coaching individuals and teams to ensure that they realise their full potential. You constantly challenge yourself to grow and improve.  

In addition to these we look for well rounded individuals that have passion for business, the desired business area, and the fast moving consumer goods industry (FMCG). We expect our prospective employees to know who we are and the brands that make up Unilever.