FreshMinds

Frequently Answered Questions

As we’ve helped hundreds of graduates find challenging, interesting and rewarding careers, that aren’t many things we haven’t been asked at least once.

Chances are we’ve already got the answers to your most burning questions below.

And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, then pick up the phone or drop us a line.

Why should I use a recruitment agency?

• Agencies can tell you about roles you might not be aware of, as well as roles you would not be able to apply directly for as the employer has outsourced the whole recruitment process.

Why should I use FreshMinds?

• Unlike many other recruitment agencies, we’re not commission focussed. We won’t put you forward for jobs we know don’t meet your career objectives, or jobs we don’t think you’re up to. We’re completely honest and upfront. Always. And our candidates and clients like that. We only focus on the very best talent in the graduate market so if you’re in the top tier, we have some of the very best jobs from the UK’s most coveted employers.

How do you work?

• We’ll take time to get to know you and your career plans. We meet and interview all candidates and then we only send you job opportunities that meet your skills, experience and goals. We only put you forward for roles we’ve discussed with you first and we’ll work together with you consultatively from the first meeting to the first day in your new job.

How can you help me?

• We’ll provide constructive, honest advice on your career aspirations. It’s likely our consultants will suggest areas you might not have thought of where they feel your skills and experiences will be sought after by top employers. And they’ll help you polish your CV including what to include before A-levels. Before any interview or assessment centre we’ll always make sure you’re fully prepared and give you honest feedback at every stage of the recruitment process.

Who are you looking for?

• The very best graduate talent. You need a minimum of 300 UCAS points (or equivalent) and a 2.1 degree (or equivalent) from a leading university.

I don’t meet your benchmark, can I still apply?

• Typically, our clients insist on the benchmark criteria, so usually our answer is no. However, if you have mitigating circumstances which affected your results and this can be supported by formal documents, we would still love to hear from you.

I don’t have an indefinite Work Permit, can I still apply?

• Most of our roles require candidates to be able to work indefinitely in the UK. You can still apply, but you will need to clearly state the type/name of the visa you hold and how long it entitles you to work for.

I am currently abroad, can I still apply?

• Yes, but please be aware that interviews are often scheduled very quickly and you will need to be flexible in terms of travel arrangements. We prefer to conduct interviews face to face and whilst this is not always possible, we will conduct telephone interviews only in exceptional circumstances. It is also very unlikely that a client would offer you a job without at least one face to face meeting.

How do I apply and what is the process through FreshMinds?

• All candidates need to complete the online application form including attaching a Word version of your CV detailing all your academic grades. Because demand is exceptionally high we are only able to respond to successful applicants. If successful, you’ll receive an email welcoming you to FreshMinds. You’ll need to be proactive and identify roles of interest on our website, as well as receive information on roles we think you are particularly suited for. You’ll receive a detailed job specification and have a competency based interview before being put forward. There may be further testing through FreshMinds and an application form to complete, depending on our client’s requirements. We’ll then keep you fully informed and fully debriefed at every stage of the recruitment process, and beyond if you’re successful.

What do I do if I’ve registered with FreshMinds but haven’t heard anything?

• Due to the high volume of candidates who apply every day it can take time for us to process all applications. We do our best to respond to all candidates, but only those who meet our benchmark will be accepted onto our books. When you submit your application you should receive an automated email so you know your application has been received (if you didn’t get this, try resubmitting). Once your CV is imported onto our database you’ll receive a welcome email. If you meet our benchmark criteria we will then respond personally to you. Due to the high volume of applicants we have at any one time, you will need to proactively apply for current roles advertised on our website to maximise your chances of securing your dream role.

What do I do if I applied for a specific role but haven’t heard anything?

• Due to the nature of the jobs we recruit to, interest is huge and application volumes can be large. If you do not hear back from us when applying for a specific role it means that we don’t think you’re right for that job. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t be suitable for other roles, so keep an eye on our website as new positions are advertised. How many jobs can I apply for? You can apply for as many roles as you like. However, applying for a huge range of roles that do not have clear links may raise questions about your focus.

I’ve already applied to a client, can I apply through FreshMinds too?

• This depends on the individual role, but generally if you have already applied directly to a client for the exact same role you can’t reapply within a year through FreshMinds. Can I do interim Mind work and still apply for permanent roles? Absolutely. Many of our Minds have found interim work has given them valuable experience to put on their CV, talk about at interview and contributed directly to them securing a permanent role. This is the beauty of the FreshMinds model!

How do I go about organising internships?

• Paid internships (such as for investment banks, accountancy firms and consultancies) are fiercely competitive, so you’ll need to think outside the box to secure one. Send a tailored CV to as many companies as possible, use your personal network to get a foot in the door, apply to smaller companies or consider internships in related fields to your chosen career.
• Unpaid internships are often no less competitive, particularly in journalism, publishing or the charity sector. You’ll need to be willing to work for free, establish relationships with people who might be useful contacts later, complete your projects successfully and ask for more. Previous experience will be vital to secure future interviews and jobs.
• Work shadowing, from a day to a couple of weeks, is another route to consider. They’re usually easier to arrange than internships and demonstrate a real interest in your chosen career. Send your CV to as many companies as possible with a covering letter explaining who you want to shadow, why and when. Make sure you shadow several people in the organisation to observe a range of interesting tasks and meetings.

What is a competency interview?

• Competencies describe specific behaviours, such as leadership and teamwork, and are the result of a mixture of skills, abilities and knowledge. A competency brings all these together under one heading and assessors/interviewers will be looking for these in a range of examples. See our interview tips for more information.

How do I find FreshMinds?

• You’ll find a map to our offices on our “contact us” page.