Application Process

Making Your Application Mean More

First things first, you can only apply to one of Mars? programmes so you'?ll need to have a think about which one is right for you. Of course, at the end of your programme, where you go next will be wide open but it?'s important that you get off to a great start. That means deciding which programme is going to be the best fit and whether you'?re interested in a specialist path or a generalist one. Secondly, no matter what the deadline, Mars will close the programme earlier if it finds enough of the right people. So the sooner you apply, the better!

If you'?ve found a programme that you'?re really interested in, you'?re in the right place to start making your application. Before you do that, here's a bit of information about how everything works. Before you can make an application you must register and create a profile online. You can create this profile by clicking here.

So you'?ve decided on a route, you'?ve created a profile and you have registered your details. It?'s time to commence your Mars journey. Once you click Apply Now you will have to start demonstrating your skills and what it is that makes you want to become an associate at Mars. The stage will include three competency based questions which will enable you to show the recruitment team that you have the kind of skills they'?re looking for. Be ready to tell them why you want to work for the company, and explain the activities you?re involved in outside of your studies. You?'ll need to do all of this in one go, so make sure you have your CV (and anything else that might help you) to hand.

Next up are some online psychometric tests that will look to assess your numerical, verbal or logical reasoning skills. You'?ll be benchmarked against other graduates. Try going online to complete practice tests before you start.

You?'ve caught Mars's? eye. At this point the company will want to see you, challenge you and throw you into the Mars environment. At the first round assessment day you will have to complete a case study exercise (which will include a presentation) and an interview. You'?ll be assessed by Mars associates. For the case study, consider practicing reading long documents and drawing out the key points that could be used for a presentation. For the interview, think about the experiences you?ve had to date and the skills these have given you. On a general point, be yourself. Mars see lots of candidates and can soon tell if you'?re not being natural! Be honest, genuine and don'?t tell the interviewer something just because you think they want to hear it.

Great news.? Mars saw something it likes and wants to see you at the final round assessment day. At this point, you?'re almost there but you still have work to do. During the day you will have a group exercise, a different case study and interview with senior Mars associates, and often the Directors will attend. This really shows the commitment the leadership teams have to bringing in the best talent to Mars.

Hints & Tips

At Mars, the way you engage and interact with others is paramount to its success.

Candidates will:

• Be full of drive and ambition
• Not shy away from responsibility
• Be full of initiative
• Have impeccable communication skills
• Make your's and others' ideas happen

Things for you to consider throughout the assessment process:

• If you get through Stage 3, you will be given feedback at least one week before you go along to one of the Stage 4 final assessment centres.
• Mars will pay reasonable expenses up to the value of £100 for Stage 3 and 4 assessments. If you feel that your expenses will exceed this amount you should get in touch.
• Keep the diary clear! If you get through the first round you will likely be invited to the final round assessment centre the following week.
• All decisions will be made within two working days.
• When going to the Stage 3 and 4 assessment centres, take along your passport (proof of right to work in UK) and proof that you are on track to attain or have attained a 2:1 at University.
• Who can you contact if you have additional questions? Email [email protected] or you can call on 01635 279818.
• A reminder of the importance to apply early to manage your expectations as assessment centre dates often fill up fast. A first come first serve policy is operated.? Be eager and respond quickly to avoid disappointment.

Pedro?s Testimonial

"To say there?'s a lot going on at Mars is something of an understatement. At any time, there?'s a staggering amount of data flying around our world. Some of it is of critical importance. It simply mustn'?t fall off the radar. So how do we keep track of all these terabytes? Well, that?s where talented associates like Pedro come in. His work in Business Information has equipped them to make vital decisions about everything from pet food to ad campaigns. By developing a dashboard tool that identifies problems before they happen, he'?s saved time, money and more. That?'s why Mars is always keen to support talent like Pedro?s. And why they always give their Information Services professionals the freedom to reach higher."

Christoph?s Testimonial

"It?'s hats off to graduate Christoph. Because he took a part of the business that was ticking over nicely and completely rewrote the rule book. Or, to be more precise, the recipe book. You see he spotted a gap in the market and knew exactly what would fill it. A new Dolmio® lasagne. Not a ready meal. More of a meal event. Well Mars are not known for standing in the way of their associates. R&D, brand strategy, marketing, you name it Christoph got involved in it. The result? Not just a healthy, tasty new product but 30% sales growth and 1.7 million more consumers now enjoying their products. It?s what they call a win-win-win situation."

Kim?s Testimonial

"The ice cream diet. That?'s what was weighing on the mind of Kim, one of Mars? European Finance graduates. You see Kim was on a placement at their factory in France, home to the Milky Way ice cream. And she was there to find efficiencies. To trim costs. But Kim didn?'t draw the line at the bottom line. R&D, supply, recipes, strategy, export. Kim got stuck into every area. Because Finance at Mars is about much more than just crunching the numbers. It means being a co-pilot to the business, sharing ideas and having the freedom to think and operate in innovative ways. Kim did. And along the way she not only shaved millions off the bottom line, she helped make a healthier ice cream with the same great taste!"

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