Early Careers application process

The application process

All applications are made via our website. Please make sure that you complete a ClearTalents assessment when you apply
– it’s really easy to use. It’s just a few questions about you that will ensure we can accommodate any reasonable
adjustments you may need during the assessment process.

Application hints & tips

We assess each candidate consistently against our requirements and CGI's core competencies. Please click on each section
below to find out more about each stage of the process.

Application form

Our online application form is relatively short, as we prefer to get to know you personally. It checks you meet our minimum requirements, captures personal details so we can contact you, and gives you the opportunity to showcase your key skills, abilities and capabilities. A member of our Early Careers Team here in the UK screens the application form against our business requirements and the competencies listed above.

Please ensure that your application is written by you, in your own words, as it plays a crucial role in helping us get to know you. We ask that you do not use AI tools or other text generators to complete your application.

Our top hints & tips are:

• Be honest – we’ll verify all results and statements of achievement during the process.
• Be Open – we’re interested in all your skills and experiences so don’t just write down the ones you think we’re interested in; we want to know everything about you!
• Be passionate – we want people who want to work for us, so use the application form to show why you’ve chosen CGI over one of our competitors.
• Spelling and Grammar - please check for mistakes in spelling and grammar before you submit your application. Although the online application doesn’t have a spell-check facility, you can type the details into a Microsoft Word document or similar and use the checking facilities available. Remember that it will not pick up words spelt correctly but used incorrectly so do please read your form through first. If you’ve spent some time working on the form, have a break before proofreading, or perhaps ask a friend to read it so you get a fresh view.

Assessment centre

If your application is successful and you are a match for one of our early careers vacancies you will be invited to an assessment centre. The assessment centre will be made up of a number of exercises detailed below. 

Please note that depending on interviewer availability your interview may on occasion take place on a different day. The Early Careers Team will advise you on this.

The group exercise

• We run the group exercise because CGI values collaboration and cooperation, it helps us deliver the most competitive and innovative ideas to our clients.
• At the Assessment Centre, two to three interviewers will observe and assess skills against our competency matrix.
• Along with other candidates, you'll be asked to read some information and work as a group to come up with a solution to a problem.
• Our group exercises are designed to be accessible to all candidates so you don’t need prior or specific subject knowledge to succeed.

The written exercise

• The individual exercise is a timed individual scenario designed to assess your organisational and written communication skills.
• You have 30 minutes to complete the exercise by following instructions presented to you on the day.
• There are no right or wrong answers; we are looking at the way you present your work and the argument.
• Our assessment centres are designed to be inclusive to all, if you require any reasonable adjustments such as additional time for the exercise please advise our Early Careers team prior to your assessment centre.

The interview

All candidates will be booked in for an interview in addition to the group and individual exercise. The interviews will normally take place on the afternoon of the assessment centre but on occasion can take place on a later date. 

Our top hints & tips are:

• Try to make sure you don’t have distractions or noise around you. We don’t usually schedule our screening calls so don’t be afraid to ask if you can call back at another time, as we’d prefer you to be able to concentrate and ask any questions!

What do we look for?

We like it when you can show a clear drive to start a successful career within the IT sector and a clear passion for working for CGI. Your ability to listen and communicate is important because the success of our business depends on our ability to engage with our clients and get under the skin of their organisations. As well as an inquisitive mind, you’ll therefore need to be a strong relationship builder. You’ll need to be flexible, open to sharing ideas and truly collaborative in your approach.

CGI Graduate and Apprenticeship brochures

Forget about labels and forget about GenXYZ. #GENERATIONCGI is our early careers and graduate recruitment campaign designed with a goal to inspire you, the next generation, to be yourselves and make your mark on our business.                                                                                                                                                               

Download the graduate brochure
Download the apprenticeship brochure