Application process
We’ll support you to be your best self
Looking to join our internship, graduate or apprenticeship scheme? Our application process is simple and informative, helping you discover more about us and what you’re looking for. We've put together some helpful hints and tips to support you every step of the way.
The application process
Online application
You can only apply to one scheme, so take some time to find the right one for you. There’ll be guidance notes throughout the application to help you with answers. We recruit on a rolling basis, which means roles will be filled on a first come first served approach, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Before hitting the apply button make sure the device you're applying on has connection to the internet, microphone and camera access. If you don't have these available let us know by emailing TescoEarlyCareers@groupgti.com or call us on 0207 654 7212 to discuss the details further.
You'll be asked whether you have a disability or long-term health condition so we can make any reasonable adjustments necessary to support you with your application. You'll also move straight to the video interview stage, in line with our commitment to the guaranteed interview scheme.
Game-based assessment
You’ll play four quick games, on any device, taking just 15 minutes. The games test your number skills, thinking, and behaviour. These fun games can be played on your phone, laptop or desktop and will help us to understand you a little better. Shortly after finishing, you'll get feedback and find out if you're through to the next step.
The games contain a series of game-based psychometric assessments, these will measure your cognitive skills, behavioural preferences, numerical and abstract reasoning abilities. An example of this would be, how you overcome challenges and make decisions. A decision on your outcome to move through to the next stage will be received shortly after completion.
Video interview assessment
We’ll ask you to record responses to a variety of questions mapping to our Win Together Behaviours. All video interviews are assessed by a member of the team to ensure a fair process, this may lead to a slight delay in receiving your feedback. Applicants that pass the recommended score will move to the next stage.
If you are applying for a Technology graduate or internship scheme, you will have a technical video interview before moving to the Discovery Centre stage.
Virtual Discovery Centre
The final stage of our recruitment process is a Discovery Centre. The virtual day is designed for you to learn more about Tesco as a business while working through group tasks and individual work. We'll also have a group coaching call before the day to make sure you’re ready.
The day will consist of working in groups and individually, on a variety of topics that help you learn even more about the work we do. We will help all invited candidates to understand what to expect on the day, by holding a group coaching call.
If you have applied for our Finance graduate or apprenticeship scheme, you will have a face-to-face interview after the Discovery Centre.
Outcome
After the Discovery Centre day, we’ll let you know if you’ve been successful. We’ll share feedback over the phone, followed by a written feedback report. And if you’re successful, we’ll send you all the information you need to start your journey with us.
Online application
You can only apply to one programme, so take some time to find the right one for you. There’ll be guidance notes throughout the application to help you with answers. We recruit on a rolling basis, which means roles will be filled on a first come first served approach, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Before hitting the apply button make sure the device you're applying on has connection to the internet, microphone and camera access. If you don't have these available let us know by calling 0207 654 7212 or sending us an email at TescoEarlyCareers@groupgti.com
You'll be asked whether you have a disability or long-term health condition so we can make any reasonable adjustments necessary to support you with your application. You'll also move straight to the video interview stage, in line with our commitment to the guaranteed interview scheme.
Video/phone interview assessment
We’ll ask you to record responses to a variety of questions mapping to our Win Together Behaviours. All video interviews are assessed by a member of the team to ensure a fair process, this may lead to a slight delay in receiving your feedback. Applicants that pass the recommended score will move to the next stage.
If you'd prefer, you can request for this to be held as a phone call interview instead.
Virtual Discovery Centre
The final stage of our recruitment process is a Discovery Centre. The virtual day is designed for you to learn more about Tesco as a business while working through group tasks and individual work.
The day will be a half day session that will consist of you taking part in a couple of activities along with helping you learn more about the work we do. The first activity will be an interview to talk about why you're interested in Tesco and the apprenticeship, and the second activity will include you being given a problem-solving task which you'll talk through.
We'll help all invited candidates to understand what to expect on the day by holding a group coaching call the week before. You'll have the opportunity to invite a parent, carer or teacher with you to this call which will be held via Microsoft Teams. If you've requested reasonable adjustments, we'll contact you to discuss your individual needs ahead of the day.
Outcome
After the Discovery Centre day, we’ll let you know if you’ve been successful. We’ll share feedback over the phone, followed by a written feedback report. And if you’re successful, we’ll send you all the information you need to start your journey with us.
Evie's story from the Internship to the Grad scheme
The internship is all about learning, but as a graduate you are expected to pick things up and put them into action. It’s a real job and you have real responsibilities, which makes it so exciting, but go in prepared to roll your sleeves up and get stuff done. Doing both schemes has massively helped me get to where I am today. I’ve had exposure to parts of the business that I didn’t even know existed, and ultimately it got me my job as a manager now. The first year of my grad scheme I was put in Distribution, an area I’d never seen myself in, but ended up loving. That’s the best thing about doing both programmes, you get to try before you commit to a career, which isn’t easy to do in other industries.
Dominic's story as a graduate
I was surprised by how welcoming and supportive the team culture is. There's also a strong focus on personal development. If I had to sum up Tesco in three words, it would be: supportive, dynamic and growth-focused.
Our Win Together Behaviours
Making every day a little better for our customers, colleagues and the planet, means our interns, grads and apprentices live by our behaviours to help achieve their goals. During your interview, show us how these behaviours guide you.
Believe in each other
We’re all about building an environment of trust. Trust in each other’s expertise and in our colleagues to collaborate and deliver. That's why we support our leaders to give their teams freedom to choose the best paths to reach our goals.
Support for your application
It’s totally normal to feel a little self-doubt creeping in. But remember, you’re not alone in this. That’s why we’ve created a podcast-style video packed with advice on combatting imposter syndrome and embracing your unique self as you prepare for your interview.
Building confidence: 4 min 54 seconds
Tesco’s commitment to diversity and inclusion: 28 min 26 seconds
Three key takeaways: 32 min 24 seconds
Completing the application
All our applications must be received through our website. We follow a fair and consistent application process for all internships, graduate schemes and apprenticeships .
You can only apply for one, but if you have a second choice, let us know in your application. Throughout the process, we can help you discover which programme you’re better suited to.
No, it doesn’t matter what you’re studying, we’re more interested in your passion for the scheme and what skills you could bring to the team. However, some of our scheme, such as our technology internships and graduate schemes require more specific technical skills. Always check the scheme requirements for the most up to date information.
Absolutely! We’re always committed to supporting our internal colleagues to get on at Tesco, so if you meet our eligibility requirements, you’re welcome to apply. We’d just encourage you to speak with your line manager, who’ll be happy to support you with your application.
We welcome applications from candidates who have their own right to work in the UK. For both temporary and permanent roles, you'll be asked to provide evidence of this during the early stages of the application process, and you must maintain and be able to demonstrate your right to work throughout the duration of your employment. For example, if you are applying to our Supply Chain graduate scheme, you will need to have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the 2-year scheme.
Unfortunately, Tesco is unable to provide visa sponsorship for our internships, graduate schemes, and apprenticeships.
If you're unsure about your eligibility to work in the UK, please visit the UK Home Office - Visas and Immigration website for more information.
We are aware there is uncertainty around how the Home Office immigration changes will impact those applying to our schemes with Graduate route visas. Whilst we work through what these changes mean for Tesco, please refer to our current stance on Right to Work in the FAQ above.
If the changes affect your application before your scheme start date, we will be in touch to discuss how this will impact your application in more detail. Please note that having a valid Right to Work status for the duration of our schemes is mandatory for all individuals starting work with us, so we reserve the right to change how we process applications in line with the new regulations.
We’re committed to making the Tesco hiring process fair, inclusive and equitable for everyone.
AI tools can be useful when preparing for interviews and assessments, and we’re happy for you to use them to support your readiness. However, we value authenticity and integrity. We want to hear your own voice and ideas, not what AI thinks we want to hear.
To ensure fairness for all candidates, assessments must be completed independently, without support from others or the use of AI tools. If AI-generated content is identified, your application may be withdrawn.
To support you with the use of AI, we have created some useful do's and don'ts.
Do use AI to:
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Review the spelling, grammar and layout of your CV
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Suggest different language and words to ensure you are covering key aspects of the job advert
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Practice your answers to interview questions
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Do research for your interview, for example, finding more out about us and the retail industry.
Don't use AI to:
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Create scenarios or examples that you think we want to hear – we want to find out about your experience
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Write your CV or application from scratch
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Complete any interviews or assessments.
The device you're applying on will need to have connection to the internet as well as microphone and camera access. Please ensure if you are using an iCloud email address that you have space to receive emails in your inbox otherwise these may not be successfully received. If you don't have these available let us know by calling 0207 654 7212 or emailing us at TescoEarlyCareers@groupgti.com
Make sure you answer all the questions on the online application as accurately as possible and double check that your contact number and email address are correct before hitting send.
No worries. Please withdraw your application by contacting TescoEarlyCareers@groupgti.com and re-apply to the correct programme.
Yes absolutely. However, we’ll only accept one application per yearly intake. So keep an eye on our website for the next round of recruitment. Just make sure you use any feedback given to improve your application next time round. And don’t forget that our early careers roles aren’t the only route into Tesco, you can also check out other available opportunities across our business.
Video / phone interview
We understand that video interviews aren’t for everyone, so we’d encourage you to:
· Find a quiet place and have a glass of water to hand
· If you have chosen the video interview, get the right lighting, camera position and background set up
· Relax and take your time before answering questions
· Have your notes to hand
· Speak slowly and clearly, hopefully helping with nerves
· If you have chosen the video interview, look at the camera rather than the screen
· Go through the practice questions ahead of time so you know what the process feels like. The practice questions will not be assessed.
During the interview, wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident. You’ll be asked a series of questions and will have 30 seconds to think about your answer before the camera starts recording. You’ll then have 3 minutes to answer each question. There’s no need to fill the time, if you’re happy with your answer, move on when ready.
If you successfully pass our video interview stage, we will invite you to a short phone interview to discuss your motivations for applying to Tesco and to your chosen scheme. This helps us get to know you a bit more and find out if Tesco is the right place for you.
Games-based assessment
You don’t have to do any preparation, and you don’t need to be a gamer to succeed. Find the right environment (we suggest somewhere quiet where you won’t be disturbed, with a good internet connection) so you can feel your best when playing the games. There are no right or wrong answers. You’ll receive feedback straight after you’ve finished. You can even have a practice run.
Virtual Discovery Centre
The Discovery Centre is an online event that gives you a chance to get to know more about Tesco and the scheme. You will participate in an interview with a manager depending on your scheme. This is a great opportunity for us to learn more about you, your interests, and your potential fit within our team and a great opportunity for you to find out about Tesco.
We’d encourage you to research your chosen scheme so you can show your motivation and passion for joining us. And to help set you up for success, we’ll be providing you with some light reading and an opportunity to attend a coaching session to help you understand what to expect on the day. It will be a great chance for you to get to know us by meeting some of our business leaders, as well as a few current apprentices and graduates.
On the day, you’ll be assessed during three exercises. There’ll be a group discussion, a one-to-one conversation (based upon a real business scenario that you’ll be presented with on the day) and a motivational interview to assess your passion for Tesco and your chosen scheme. It's really important that you contribute and take part throughout the day so we can get to know you too.
Please don’t worry. If you’re invited through to the Virtual Discovery Centre, and don’t have the equipment you need, please contact us at TescoEarlyCareers@groupgti.com so that we can talk about how we can support you.
We believe that everyone performs their best when they feel they can be themselves. So, whether this is smart/casual or your favourite suit you should feel comfortable and confident. We're interested in you, not your outfit, so please don't worry. Our interviewers will be dressed smart/casual.
Extra support
We’re a Disability Confident Leader, which means we are committed to providing equitable opportunities and removing barriers throughout our recruitment processes.
We aim to build great teams that reflect our local communities so that we can provide the best possible service to our customers. We're committed to creating a workplace where differences are valued and ensure all colleagues are given the chance to get on in their careers with us.
Providing reasonable adjustments
Our online digital recruitment process removes the potential for unconscious bias and our process remains fair and consistent. If you have a disability, long-term health condition, neurodivergent condition, or need reasonable adjustments for any other reason, there will be an opportunity to indicate this on your application. Or you can get in touch with us at any point by emailing us at TescoEarlyCareers@groupgti.com.
It's part of our commitment to the guaranteed interview scheme. We work hard to ensure our work environment supports everyone. If you need adjustments for accessibility before starting with us, let our team know so we know how best to support you in your new role.
Examples of adjustments we have made for candidates include:
• Extra time
• Larger fonts
• Increased volume during presentations.
We know that everyone’s needs are unique, so get in touch to talk it through with us.
Helping you submit your online application
• We'll invite you to drop-in sessions with our recruitment team to learn more about the scheme.
• We'll email you to remind you to complete and submit your online application.
• We can call you if you need help completing your application.
Please email TescoEarlyCareers@groupgti.com or call 0207 654 7212 and we’ll investigate any issues for you.
We value your time and interest in Tesco, so throughout our application process, feedback is provided at every stage, which we hope will be helpful, no matter the outcome.
You can assist by encouraging them to attend the virtual coaching call, which will help them prepare for the Virtual Discovery Centre Day. They will need a computer, tablet, or mobile phone, along with a Wi-Fi connection, to participate. If they don't have access to these, please help them explore options such as libraries, schools, or colleges where they can gain access. If there are any issues, please contact us via TescoEarlyCareers@groupgti.com or call us at 0207 654 7212.
Support may also be needed when choosing their preferred store location for our apprenticeships. Please ensure that they select stores they can commute to easily and safely. Once stores are assigned to successful candidates, changes cannot be made.