Helping you choose the right scheme 

• Make sure to do your research: to build your knowledge and insights about the organisation and the graduate opportunities on offer, as well as gathering information on the market.
• Update your LinkedIn profile: make sure it is up to date, personal, and use it to your benefit by networking with friends, peers, colleagues, or people in roles/career paths you’re aspiring towards.
• Speak to your University/College Careers Advisors: Most universities/colleges have career teams, that will be able to support you in this journey. Having a conversation may be a good first step. 

Once you have chosen your scheme 

1. Tailor Your CV 

• Personal Information: All that is needed here is your name, contact details (email and phone number), and a link to your LinkedIn profile.  
• Tailor: Adapt your CV to each application you make, highlight any relevant skills, experiences and achievements that align with the job description. Here you can start to bring in what you have learnt throughout your research.  
• Transferable Skills: We understand that at graduate level you may have limited or no direct relevant professional experience. Don’t worry – we're looking for potential! Any extracurriculars and societies, part-time jobs balanced alongside studying, or volunteering opportunities you may have participated in, would have taught you so much without you even realising. Use this time to reflect on these and know your value! 
• Why: Be clear on your ‘why’, understand and articulate why you want to be part of Diageo and why our graduate programmes stand out to you.  
• Length and Readability: Keep it succinct, a CV should be no longer than two pages. Check for spelling and grammatical errors – attention to detail is an important to skill to build.   

2. Writing your cover letter 

• It is not compulsory to add a cover letter, but it is a nice addition to your application, showcasing your passion for Diageo. So here are some tips if you decide to write one. 
• Your cover letter should answer the following questions: 
  • What is your passion and motivation for the organisation and role you're applying to?
  • How does your experience and skills match and transfer to the role profile? 
  • What impact do you hope to achieve in this role. 
• It should be in formal letter formatting. 

3. Application 

• Fill in a short form, answering some basic questions so we know you're eligible to apply! 
• Don't forget to let us know if you need any reasonable adjustments to be made during the process - we'll support you in the best way possible. 

"If you're thinking about applying to our graduate programmes, my biggest piece of advice is to be authentically yourself. We want to understand who you are and what truly drives you. Take time to explore our brands and get to know Diageo’s unique culture. It will help you bring your passion to life in the application process." 

Cassi Henderson, 
Europe Early Careers Manager, Edinburgh

What to expect

• The Task: Will be to play 12 Pymetrics games that measure the attributes that make you unique.
• Time required: This part should take you about 30 minutes to complete and can easily be done on your laptop or smartphone. The total time to complete all games will not affect your results, so feel free to take breaks between games. 
• Purpose: A way to identify your unique strengths, every person will play the games slightly differently. 
• Preparation: There’s nothing you'll need to prepare in advance. Just play the series of games and respond based on your natural reactions and instincts.
• Practice: If you have been invited to take part in our Pymetrics games, you'll also be given the opportunity to take a practice test, we recommend you take this opportunity before jumping straight into the assessment, to ensure you get familiar with the platform and the types of tasks you'll be asked to take part in. 
• Feedback: Once you've played them, you will receive any further steps via email, along with a personalised report that will support your future growth! 

TopTips 

• Stay calm: Make sure to take a breath and read all instructions carefully, remember this is not a test. Each game will give you detailed instructions, and will not begin until you're ready, as you have to press start before each game can begin! 
• Consider your environment: Find an environment that works for you, away from any distractions. Think about where you work best.  
• Check your tech: Check your WIFI connection, make sure your device is charged and updated to avoid any issues during the task. 

"Our innovative Pymetrics gamification approach offers a dynamic platform for showcasing your strengths in an engaging way. Embrace this opportunity to explore how your skills align with our values and mission. Each game is designed not only to assess but also to help you learn more about yourself—consider it a stepping stone towards unlocking your full potential within our vibrant community." 

Karina Kinsey, 

Early Careers Specialist, Edinburgh 

What to expect 

• We'll ask you to complete a video assessment via HireVue. This stage will take about 30 minutes.
• This consists of accessing an online interview platform where you record video answers to pre-set questions. 
• The interview will give us a chance to get to know you better and learn more about your passions, interests, and purpose through a series of questions. 

How to prepare 

• The preparation should be similar to any preparation you would do for a live interview with a recruiter. 
• Connect: With us on LinkedIn, Instagram or YouTube to learn more about our business. Hear from our people and get a feel for #LifeAtDiageo.  
• Explore: Our website and Annual Report to gather information and gain further knowledge about who we are – our business, performance, industry, brands, people, and news.
• Experience: Make sure to understand the job description and what the graduate scheme will entail, this will allow you to build a bank of relevant examples from across your previous experiences. 
• Practice: Recorded interviews can be a bit daunting and awkward at first, get comfortable on camera and record yourself answering interview questions. 
• Transferable Skills: Remember the importance of transferable skills, your answers can come from all aspects of your life it doesn’t just have to be work – all extracurriculars shape you as an individual and influence your unique input and ideas. 
• Check your tech: Check your WIFI connection, make sure your device is charged and updated to avoid any issues during the task. Find a quiet spot to complete the interview – this is to avoid any unwanted background noise! 
• Consider: Your background and your outfit, dress professionally to feel the part and have a clean background. Treat it like a live interview. 
• What to expect: You'll be asked a series of questions, but don’t worry you'll have time ahead of each one to prepare, our biggest piece of advice is to make use of this time, take time to understand what the question is asking and use the STAR method to plan and structure your answer (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
• Authenticity: Usage of GenAI during an assessment, or any live or virtual interviews won’t be permitted while in a recruitment process with Diageo. Assessments and interviews are intended to assess how well you fit the role and Diageo, and we believe it's essential to highlight your complete range of skills.

"At Diageo, we offer exceptional opportunities where you can truly discover and pursue your passion. If you're considering applying to one of our outstanding programs, remember that being your authentic self is what will truly set you apart. We're committed to supporting you every step of the way, from your application journey and beyond. By joining one of our programs, you'll be immersed in the vibrant world of Diageo from day one, so ensure you're clear on why this path excites you." 

Louise Riley, 

Early Careers Learning Programme Manager, London 

• Lastly, we’ll invite you to a virtual or in person assessment centre. This step of the application process is a challenge, but a fun one! 
• You’ll learn about our business, culture and graduate schemes and we’ll get to learn more about you. 

Before the Assessment Centre 

• Do the prep: There can sometimes be a bit of time in between stages, so make sure to refresh your mind on all your research.  
• Preparation Sessions: We'll always try to support you – we'll hold preparatory sessions with the Early Careers team, to give more insight and ease some of your nerves!  
• Questions: Prepare questions for the interviewers, this shows your eagerness for Diageo and your role, demonstrating you have an appetite to learn more.  
• Practice: There are plenty resources online of example interview questions and usual assessment centre formats, use these to boost your confidence and enhance your articulation.  
• Mock Trials: Use your friends and peers, practice interview questions and professional interactions with them. Give each other feedback on body language and communication techniques.  
• On the day: Make sure to make your way to the location early, give yourself time to spare in the event of any travel delays, ensuring you can arrive on time. Think about your outfit choice, dress to impress by following our business casual dress code.   
• Virtual Assessment Centres: For a virtual assessment centre ensure you have good internet connection, and everything is working correctly ahead of the day starting. Be in an environment that sets you up for success. Think about your video background and limit any distractions and ensure you are dressed to impress. Treat it the same as you would with an in-person assessment centre. 

During the Assessment Centre 

• There’ll be several exercises where you’ll get the opportunity to show all the qualities that make you unique – just bring your creativity, ideas and passion and the rest will follow!  
• Stay calm: And be authentically yourself, we want to get to know the real you.  
• Enthusiasm: Use your preparation to your advantage, we want to see your passion and motivation for Diageo and your chosen graduate scheme. Be clear on why you applied.  
• Be Prepared: Have real-life examples ready to illustrate your answers – these can again be from all aspects of your life. We want to understand what has shaped the individual you are today.  
• The STAR Method: ‘Situation, Task, Action, Result’ is useful when giving examples of how you've handled something in the past or achieved results through your work. It’s helpful to think through the following questions:  
  • Situation: what was the situation you had to deal with? 
  • Task: what was your task/responsibility in the situation? 
  • Action: what action did you take to complete the task? 
  • Result: what was the result? 
• Questions: Be curious and ask all the questions you may have – this stage is as much for you to consider if we're the right employer for you.   

"The assessment centre is your chance to shine. You've already done so well to get here, so be proud of that. The most important thing is to stay calm, be prepared, and be yourself. We want to know the real you. If you're a thoughtful introvert, that's your superpower — use it. If you're an outgoing ideas person, show us. There's no 'right type' of person at Diageo; we want diverse views, perspectives, and characteristics. Let your whole self shine through, and you'll do well." 

Simon Baker, 

Early Careers Specialist, London