So, you’ve decided you want to write your own Mars success story. Great! To get your application rolling, go to the programme you’re interested in and click on the link at the bottom of the page.
You’ll then be asked to complete an online application form. We’ve even included a few tips at the bottom of the page to help you fill it out. Once you start your application, you will need to go all the way through until the submit button appears. Click on the submit button, even if you have not completed every bit of your application. This will save your application, but don't worry, we won't be looking at it just yet.
You'll then have a week to go back, log in and complete your application. We'll send you a reminder email to let you know when we'll be looking at it, so you can make sure you're 100% happy with what you've written.
Timings
The timings for this the 2009/10 intake have yet to be finalised but we will be opening applications on August 24th 2009 and closing on 14th February 2010. Anyone successful will start with us in September 2010.
More detail about each stage of the application process (like what the interview might involve, for example) is only a click away.
Please note that you can only apply for one programme or placement.
Filling in the application form
As promised, here are some application tips you may find useful - good luck.
a. Completion
Fill in all of the fields as far as possible. If you cannot do so for a good reason, such as the question is not applicable, please write a note so that we know you haven't just forgotten to enter the information.
b. Read the question
A fairly obvious one, but important none the less. Basically, try to focus on answering the specific question we’ve asked. In the past, people have got a bit too carried away and tried to cover too many areas with their answer - which makes it harder for us to find the information we’re looking for.
c. Open questions
You’ll find three open-ended questions on the application form. These are very important, as they offer us our first real insight into you as a person (beyond the stats and figures we already have). Take some time to think about your answers. And try to provide enough substance so that the person reading your application can understand the point (s) you’re trying to get across. Remember, at this stage this is the only piece of information they will have about you.
d. Stand out for the right reasons
We know you want to stand out from the rest of the applicants. But it’s important not to try too hard. You don’t have to be wacky to catch our eye. Just be true to yourself and what you’ve achieved, and make sure you support your thoughts with clear, rational arguments.
Your application, step by step.
If your application form really stands out, you’ll be invited to sit two online aptitude tests covering verbal and numerical reasoning.
Pass this stage and we’ll ask you to attend a first round interview. This takes about half a day – consisting of a face-to-face interview with Mars managers and an aptitude test to assess your problem-solving and analysis skills. But it won’t just be us asking the questions. You’ll have the chance to quiz us too; about the company, how we work, the benefits we offer etc. Plus you’ll be able to meet current trainees from the programme you’re applying to.
If you shine at your interview, an assessment centre beckons. Taking place over two days, these events will help us both decide if we're right for each other. We plan the centre to put you at your ease as much as possible. On day one, you'll meet the other candidates and also get a chance to tour the Mars site that will be hosting your assessment centre.
There's an informal dinner with your assessment team and current trainees in the evening, and then the assessment itself takes place on day two. This will involve both group and individual exercises, and from them we’ll gather the evidence we need to make that all-important offer. We’ll then let you know our decision, either way, within two days of you finishing your assessment.
Still interested? Then click here for more details on the programmes we offer.