BAE Application and Interview Questions

BAE Systems operates within the defence, aerospace and security sectors, with branches of its business situated throughout the world.

BAE offers a number of exciting and challenging employment opportunities for individuals at all stages of their career.

Employment with BAE is highly competitive, so candidates are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible.

BAE Values

Values are extremely important at BAE. As a prospective employee, you will need to demonstrate an understanding of these and apply them to the answers in your application form and at interview. The key values important to BAE Systems include:

• Trust
• Honesty and Responsibility
• Reliability
• Everyone Matters
• Innovation
• Imagination and Experience
• Empowerment
• Working together to transform ideas and technologies into viable business solutions
• Being bold enough to constantly challenge and take the initiative
• Tenacity and resolve
• Accepting challenges
• Establishing suitable goals

A Swiss Air jet, manufactured by BAE Systems.

The BAE Application Process

As with many jobs, the first stage in the recruitment process is to tackle the company application form. Along with the online application, candidates will be expected to participate in a range of exercises and assessments including psychometric tests and an interview, as well as attending an assessment centre. Note that the application for BAE can be quite lengthy, with several weeks passing between submitting the initial application to attending the assessment centre.

Application Form

Before starting on the application form for BAE, candidates are expected to read the job description, person specification and any supporting documentation carefully so that they fully understand what is required of them in the role and whether they can meet all of the selection criteria. To work for BAE, you need to be committed to the role and show this commitment through the (sometimes lengthy) application process. For the graduate programme you will be asked to select an area of interest within the organisation and a suitable career path. Each career section provides a choice of areas in which you can specialise, allowing you to participate in a work programme which suits your interests and perhaps expertise.

The application form itself consists of eight sections, which can be completed in any order. You can work on your answers and then save the form to complete later.

The seven sections of the form are:

• Personal Details. A standard section that asks about your eligibility to work in the UK and other details such as your name and contact information.
• Application Information. The name of the programme or vacancy you are applying for along with dates of availability, and whether you have any contacts in the company. On the graduate application form you will be asked to provide three alternative positions that you would like to be considered for if unsuccessful in your first choice.
• Nationality. Straightforward enough.
• Education. This section is split into two sections: the first requesting details on your school education up to secondary level, and the second asking for information on your further and higher education.
• Work Experience. It's important that you fill this section out with care, as BAE wants to know what type of work you have been involved in to date. If you haven’t had any experience in a paid job, simply add in any work experience, placements or voluntary work that you have participated in. Don't leave the section blank.
• Skills. This is an opportunity for you to tell BAE what skills you possess, whether these are related to technology, finance or marketing.

Competency Requirements In The Application Form

You may also be asked to complete a set of questions which will assess your reasons for wanting to join the organisation, or key competencies. Some of the most common questions asked by BAE include:

Your reason for applying for the role. This is quite a broad question and one which requires a specific answer. In your response, make sure that you outline why you want to work in the industry you have selected, your reasons for choosing BAE and what skills you can bring to the role you have applied for.

If you are applying for a leadership role, you may encounter a question to provide an example of an occasion where you demonstrated strong leadership skills. In your answer describe briefly the situation, the role assigned to you, how you led and motivated fellow team members, whether you encountered any problems and how these were addressed. Also mention how you kept all of the team members focused and on task toward the achievement of the objective.

Working under pressure is a skill required in most roles, but working under pressure to produce deliverables to a challenging task will demonstrate your ability to work at a senior level. In your answer to a question such as this, again, outline the context, why the specific task or project was complex, and describe your approach, obstacles, who you were involved with and the outcome (whether good or bad).

Another question often featured on the application form relates to the ability to identify and implement organisational change that improves a business. Perhaps the most important aspect is to outline why the change needed to be implemented, how it was identified, the solution that you implemented, any challenges that you faced and the impact after the implementation of the change.

These are by no means a definitive list of questions on the form and they are subject to change. Whatever questions that you are presented with, draft them properly first, refine, review and undertake a final proofread before you submit your answers. Above all, read the question carefully and answer as fully as possible, but don’t exceed the word limits.

The BAE Interview

To be successful in an interview with BAE, you need to understand your capabilities as an employee, be able to relate your previous experience in your new role and create high-quality answers that convey your dedication and enthusiasm for joining the company.

You may be asked to participate in several interviews, from a telephone call through to a face-to-face meeting. During the interview, BAE will be aim to assess your capabilities, goals and what interests you. Don't forget that the interview is also a chance for you to find out about the business, its employees and how it operates.

Preparing for the interview with BAE is essential. Explore your chosen area in detail and find out as much as you can about the company. Questions in the BAE interview may include:

• Explain an occasion when you were required to work as part of a team to deliver a project.
• Describe an instance where you had to make a decision between the priorities of a supervisor or a client.
• Have you ever led a team? Provide examples.
• Identify a situation when you have had to resolve a challenging or difficult situation
• Why did you choose BAE?
• How do you remain motivated?