Apply for graduate jobs with a plan, not a pile.
Graduate schemes mean long, multi-stage processes running in parallel. ATSApply lines them up in one spreadsheet-style board, warns you about deadlines and shows exactly which stage you keep dropping out at.
| # | Company | Type | Status | ATS match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | N Northwind Bank Summer Analyst | Internship | Interview | 91 |
| 2 | B Brightline Rail Engineering Apprentice | Apprenticeship | Replied | 86 |
| 3 | K Kestrel Studio Junior Designer | Job | Viewed | 64 |
| 4 | H Halcyon Health Data Graduate Scheme | Graduate | Viewed | 88 |
| 5 | O Orbit Logistics Marketing Intern | Internship | Applied | 79 |
| 6 | F Fernway Council Digital Apprentice | Apprenticeship | Replied | 93 |
The stages you'll track
Large graduate schemes typically open between August and October for the following September, with many closing before Christmas. Graduate jobs outside schemes are advertised all year.
Tips that actually help
Map every stage
Application, tests, video interview, assessment centre, final interview. Seeing where you drop out tells you what to practise next.
Use one master CV
Keep a master CV and tailor a copy per role. ATSApply records which version went where, so you can compare their reply rates.
Prepare stories, not scripts
Write five or six STAR examples from your degree, work and activities. Most competency questions can be answered from that bank.
Keep applying while you wait
Processes are slow. Treat an assessment centre invite as progress, not a reason to stop applying.
Graduate jobs: common questions
Are graduate scheme applications screened by software?+
Almost always. Applicant tracking systems parse your CV and form answers, and many schemes also use automated tests before anyone reads your application.
Should I apply to graduate schemes and normal graduate jobs?+
Yes. Schemes are competitive and seasonal, while regular graduate roles appear all year. Tracking both in one place shows you which route is working.
What if I graduated a few years ago?+
Most schemes accept recent graduates, often up to two or three years after graduation. Check each employer's eligibility rules.