Let us answer
your questions
We have put together the following 'Frequently asked Questions' for people who have already read our brochure or web pages. These are split into four categories. Click on the appropriate category below.
- Before applying
- What's Enfield like?
- Enfield is one of London's largest - and greenest - boroughs. Just inside the M25, it is served well by transport links, has several pubs, shops and sport clubs and is just 30 minutes away by train from the centre of London. Our location means that people can choose to live in the hurly-burly of London itself, in the slightly less busy environs of Enfield, or in more rural Hertfordshire.
- What are your offices like?
- All our offices are open plan. You will have your team members around you so that you can communicate with each other effectively.
- I'd like to work in the Edinburgh or Chester office - can I be assigned there?
- Yes of course. We usually ask that you spend a minimum amount of time training in Enfield to begin with, to ensure you are up to speed before moving to one of our smaller offices.
- What are you looking for in a successful candidate?
- Academically, we're looking for excellent grades at 'A' level and a good degree. You will also have a high aptitude for understanding and solving complex problems, as well as an interest in technology. As an experienced candidate, we are looking for a mix of relevant experience, coupled with strong interpersonal skills.
- I am studying for a degree in Classics. Am I still eligible to apply?
- Yes, we welcome applications from any discipline.
- I have been predicted a 2:2 - can I still apply?
- Yes. We accept applications from all degree classifications.
- I have BBB at 'A' level and have read that you require all A grades to have a chance of being offered an interview. Is this requirement flexible?
- The best correlation that we have ever found between the talent that we need and academic qualifications is GCSE and 'A' level (or equivalent) results. However, if you have extenuating circumstances for lower grades, make sure you put this on your form.
- When is your closing date?
- We don't have a closing date for applications. We recruit all year round so you can apply at any time.
- I need a work permit. Will you still accept my application?
- Yes. However, we have been advised that it is almost impossible to obtain a work permit unless you have particularly relevant work experience or a relevant postgraduate qualification. Internship students do not require permits to work for 8 weeks.
- Apart from the practical work experience, what other training can I expect to receive?
- On-the-job training will form the basis of your development. You will also enjoy specifically tailored in-house seminars covering the company's operation and developing your skills. On top of this there is an array of external courses that you can enrol on. Find out more under the training and development section.
- How long before I can be transferred to your US office?
- The speed and direction of your career is driven by you. If you are keen to move to the US, you should highlight this to your manager and we will consider you as soon as a vacancy arises.
- What is the starting salary?
- We offer a competitive package, and for experienced candidates our packages are negotiable. Our remuneration for 2009 graduates and postgraduates (i.e. those who join after 1 June 2009) is £35,000, which includes an initial one-off payment of £5,000. Your salary will be reviewed after three, six and then every nine months. By the end of your second year, you can expect to earn a package of up to £45,000. Internship students will join on £1,300 per month plus subsidised accommodation in our company house. Pre-university students will earn £1100 per month.
- How do I apply?
- By completing our on-line application form or by sending a comprehensive CV to .
- Do you sponsor students?
- For interns that perform exceptionally well, we will provide sponsorship.
- After applying
- When will I hear from you?
- We aim to review your application within 3-4 working days.
- How long is the selection process?
- We are very proud of our efficient recruitment process and it involves you coming for two visits. If you need us to be swifter we can complete the process from application to offer in less than two weeks.
- What can I expect at the first interview?
- For the first interview you will be with us for half a day. We will do our best to ensure you feel as comfortable as possible. After a brief presentation, you will sit an aptitude test and a series of problem solving tests. This will be followed by a broad interview with one of our managers. You will have an opportunity to discuss your solutions, tell us more about you and ask any questions you may have. For internship students, this will be the final part of your assessment and a decision will be made shortly after attending the interview. For graduates, postgraduates and experienced applicants, you will then be expected to attend a second interview.
- How can I prepare for an interview?
- No preparation is necessary as all of the tests will be assessing your aptitude for solving complex problems, rather than your actual technical experience. However, we do recommend that you read through our website and gain an understanding of what we do and the work you would be involved in.
- Where are your assessment centres?
- First interviews are carried out either at our Enfield or Edinburgh office. All final assessments are based at our Enfield office.
- Being made an offer
- When can I expect to receive an offer?
- Once you have attended a final assessment, a decision will be made quickly - usually within 48 hours. We can inform you of our decision by telephone or email.
- If I'm made an offer how long do I have to decide?
- Once we have made you an offer there is no time pressure for you to make a decision. We will keep in touch with you in case you have any questions, or would like to come back for a more informal visit.
- Can I defer my start date once I have accepted an offer?
- If you want to take a year out between graduating and beginning your career, we can offer you a deferred start date, but please mention that this is what you wish to do in your final assessment. You can even take your £5,000 joining bonus early (once you sign your contract), and use it towards travelling.
- Starting work
- What's a typical day like?
- A typical day will start at around 9am - although it could be earlier or later, depending on your
sleeping habits! You'll probably start by making yourself a drink and catching up on your emails.
Suitably fortified, you'll make headway on your current tasks - which will have already been agreed with
your manager, along with estimates of how long they will take, at the beginning of each week.
Tasks vary between learning about a new feature of the industry, to getting your head down and designing, coding and testing. These tasks are intermingled with status meetings, white board sessions, and day-to-day contact with your manager and team.
You can have lunch in the canteen between 11am and 2pm, or take a walk into Enfield to grab a sandwich, or eat at one of the many coffee shops. If you like sports, you can choose to play badminton, football, squash, tennis... all played at different standards to suit everyone's level of skill.
Towards 6pm, there's often a move to go down the pub to celebrate the arrival of a new starter, a happy occasion or just the end of the day. Many people play sports after work, and others choose to go home to their families. - Is there a dress code in the office?
- We have a relaxed dress code, best described as 'smart-casual'. This means that men wear anything from suits with shirt and tie, to 'chinos' with open neck shirts, and women wear suits or tailored trousers/skirts and tops. Most candidates coming to interview will wear a suit.
- What are the working hours?
- Your contracted hours will be 37.5 hours per week. In practice, and out of choice, most people work slightly more than this. However, our working hours are pretty flexible so, as long as you get the work done (and do it well), you don't have to stick to the normal 9 - 5.30 routine.
- What are the opportunities for travel?
- With the majority of our customers in the US, and our two American offices, the opportunities for travel to the States - for both long and short term - are excellent. We also have a growing number of customers in Europe and Asia.
- How much responsibility can I expect when I start?
- You will be given real responsibility from day one. Your mentor and manager will ensure you have a development plan that is tailored to you. There will be a supportive team around you and you'll never be left 'on your own'.