The UKAEA recruitment process
We understand that it can be a daunting process if you are applying for a job and you don’t know what to expect. We have put together this guide to help you understand the hiring process when you apply for one of our jobs.
Your application
The first step is to read the job advert and submit your application. You will be asked a small number of screening questions and for your CV (you can also attach an optional covering letter). You will need to submit these online via our applicant tracking system Smart Recruiters. We usually review applications after the closing date, however in some cases you may be contacted beforehand.
If you’re unsure how to apply for one of our vacancies, read our guide on how to apply.
The next steps
If shortlisted, someone from the UKAEA Talent Acquisition team will contact you either by email or phone to set up the next steps in the hiring process.
- Phone interview
The first step is typically a 20-30 minute telephone, or virtual, interview with one of our hiring team members. This will involve talking through your experience and motivations for wanting to join us, and your suitability for the role.
- Face-to-face or virtual interview
If successful, the next step in the interview process will be a second stage, panel interview. This normally lasts around 60 minutes and you will be asked more detailed interview questions, which will contain a mixture of behavioural and technical competency questions.
- Other assessments
You may be required to undertake other assessments depending on the role you’re applying for. These could include:
- An online personality profiling questionnaire
- A presentation
- Analysis of technical information or schematics
- An online aptitude and ability assessment
- Role play
- In-tray / written exercises
- Assessment centres
Our team will usually make a decision after these rounds. You may be asked to attend a third interview, which may be in the form of a ‘meet and greet’ with other team members and an opportunity for you to ask any questions that you may have.
Pre-employment checks
If successful in being offered a job at UKAEA, we have a few required checks that we must undertake before finalising your employment offer.
Applicants who are British citizens, or have pre-settled/settled status, have the right to work for us without obtaining a work permit.
We are licensed to sponsor migrants under Tiers 5 and Skilled Worker Visas. We also accept applicants from people who hold Global Talent and Graduate visas.
You must provide clear documentation to confirm that you have formal permission to work. This will be checked and verified during the interview process.
You will be required to undergo security background checks before joining our team, including a criminal record check.
During the process, we will request details of your references. One of these must be your current or most recent employer or educational establishment.
We won’t contact your references until a formal offer of employment has been made and accepted.
If you have any further questions, please contact talent@ukaea.uk for more information.
Take a look at our typical roles to understand what your day to day work will involve if you’re successful!
Haven’t yet applied?
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Take a look at our current vacancies and read more about our career development schemes.
