We caught up with Hiscox to learn more about their top tips to submitting a successful application.
Top tips for success when applying for a role at Hiscox:
The first step of your application for our graduate programme is to complete an application form, which consists of four free text questions. Your responses to each question will be reviewed and scored against set criteria, so its really important that you answer each question to the best of your ability to give yourself the best opportunity to progress to the next stage of the application process (psychometric testing).
Our top tips for succeeding in your application:
Read the question
Sounds obvious, but read the question carefully and make sure you answer it. The first question on our application form asks you to explain three reasons why you have applied and why you’d like to work for Hiscox – not including three clear reasons will mean that you lose points unnecessarily.
Make full use of the guidance given on the application form
At the end of each question, you’ll be able to click on the ? sign to read guidance on how to answer the question. We want everyone to achieve their best through our application process and the guidance is there to support you – please use it!
Use the full word count
You have 250 words to respond to each question and we recommend that you use your full word count so that you include the level of detail needed to demonstrate the criteria we’re looking for.
Do your research
Two of our questions require you to demonstrate that you have done your research – into the opportunity and Hiscox, and also the insurance industry. Give yourself the time to do your research and demonstrate this in your responses.
Think broadly when answering competency based questions
We know that the last couple of years have meant fewer internships and work placements and fewer opportunities to demonstrate some of the competencies employers are looking for. Think broadly about your experiences – what examples can you talk about from uni, part time jobs, volunteering or hobbies to demonstrate the competencies we’re asking about?
Pay attention to your written communication
Your answers will be scored for written communication so think about how you structure your responses and check for errors – we recommend you copy and paste your answers from a Word document. Please make us aware at your time of application if there is anything we need to take into account when reviewing and scoring your application.
We don’t score on CVs so how you respond to the four application questions really is the key to whether you progress to the next stage or not. We understand that applying for graduate opportunities is time consuming, however candidates who copy and paste stock responses, don’t answer the question and don’t demonstrate they’ve done their research are unlikely to be successful.
We hope this guidance is useful – and wish you the best of luck!
Want to find out more about Hiscox's opportunities? Head to their profile!