Careers at National Grid
National Grid is a UK and US energy company that produces electricity and gas, with a focus on sustainable practices.
National Grid is one of the largest investor-owned utility companies in the world. Founded in 1990, they employ over 23,000 people in the London head office, as well as smaller offices across the UK and US.
Types of roles at National Grid
There are a huge variety of jobs, graduate schemes and apprenticeships to apply for if you want to start your career at National Grid.
Whether you’re looking to work in head office in a support function such as finance, feel your skills are suited to a specific role within the sector, or want to try one of the company’s 18-month rotational programs to find your passion — there really is a wealth of opportunities at National Grid for hard-working, creative and intuitive individuals.
You can also search for jobs directly on their careers page.
How To Get Hired At National Grid
National Grid wants to find problem solvers, creative thinkers and future visionaries who can help grow and strengthen National Grid, while also tackling the very real issues of climate change and cutting carbon emissions.
National Grid has three core values that employees work towards every day:
1. Do the right thing This includes prioritizing customers, being inclusive, and feeling confident speaking up for yourself and others.
2. Find a better way Whether it’s helping to maximize the customer experience, or working collaboratively to improve the opportunities available at National Grid, Finding a better way is all about embracing change and development.
3. Make it happen This value instills employees with the confidence to take charge of their own career path, find their personal passions, and take on new and exciting challenges.
National Grid Application Process
The first step is to decide whether you want to apply for an apprenticeship, graduate scheme or job role.
Once you know what you’re looking for, you can head to the website to begin your search and apply for the role(s) that best suit you.
If there’s nothing listed that looks appropriate, it’s worth signing up for job alerts so you’re notified when the right role comes along.
National Grid Online Application
The online application is the first proper step in the National Grid recruitment process, and you'll need to set up an account before proceeding.
The application form is divided into three distinctive sections. The first requires basic information about you and your academic history.
The second part is a series of questions designed to assess your motivation and skill level. Questions could include: Why do you want to work for National Grid? Or, Why are you interested in this particular role?
The third and final part is a situational judgment test which will present you with a hypothetical workplace scenario, and four possible responses for you to choose between. Remember to review National Grid’s values and objectives before considering your answers.
The application form may take around an hour to complete, but you can save and return to it.
Before submitting any application, it’s always prudent to check it thoroughly and ensure you’re happy all the information you've given is accurate and that you’ve made no spelling or grammatical errors.
National Grid Video Interview
If your application is successful, you’ll be invited to take part in a video interview.
The interview is designed to assess your capability for the role. It’s usually comprised of three competency-based questions that will probe your personal work style and your personality. This allows the recruiters and hiring managers at National Grid to see how you might fare as part of the team.
You can record your responses to the question in a time and place that suits you. Try and find an area free from noise and distraction. Think about how you present yourself on camera, and ensure your backdrop is appropriate for the task at hand.
National Grid Game Based Assessments
Those that are successful in the video interview portion of the recruitment process will be invited to take part in the game-based assessments.
These short games will test your cognitive, social and emotional traits, and require you to think on your feet.
To complete this section, you’ll need to have access to a device that can connect to the internet.
National Grid Assessment Center
If you score highly on the game-based assessments you’ll be invited to the final portion of the process — the assessment center.
Depending on the role or scheme you’re applying for, this could be up to two days in length and could include anything and everything from a pre-prepared presentation to an interview with someone from the senior management team.
As well as testing your skills and knowledge, the day is a chance for you to meet other applicants and get to know a few of the people working at National Grid. You’ll be observed throughout the day(s) so it’s important to bring enthusiasm and curiosity, while also ensuring you're respectful when others talk.
Although this will vary depending on the role, most National Grid assessment centers start with candidates sharing their pre-prepared presentation and taking questions for up to 90 minutes. The presentation subject tends to be a case study that’s relevant to the role you’re hoping to acquire.
You’ll also take part in a group exercise where you’ll be assessed on your teamwork, cooperation, leadership and listening skills.
There will also be a face-to-face interview. The questions in this interview are competency-based, and you’ll need to demonstrate skills including communication, organization, customer service and market knowledge.
Preparing for the assessment center is really important as by this stage, you have a very real chance of getting the job.
Tips To Get Hired At National Grid
Do your homework
The best thing you can do to prepare for every part of the test is practice and prepare. Whether that’s reading up on National Grid’s values, researching their current goals and objectives, refreshing your interview techniques, taking aptitude tests, or ensuring you understand what’s being asked of you — preparation is invaluable.
Respond in a clear and concise manner
Whether it’s your application form or the interview, read or listen to what’s being asked of you really carefully, and respond as clearly and concisely as you can.
Practice good interview etiquette
Getting a good night’s sleep before each stage, ensuring you look presentable, researching background information and coming prepared with questions of your own are just some of the ways you can make a good impression.
