China Graduate Programme FAQ

Tell me about Tesco China?
We entered China in 2004 and have built up a network of more than a hundred stores across ten provinces along the Eastern Seaboard. We currently employ more than 27,000 people and serve 4m customers every week.

China is also a major sourcing location for our Group. Our international sourcing headquarters are based in Hong Kong and we also have a hub in Shanghai. We currently buy around £2.25bn worth of goods and services from China for the Tesco Group every year

More details about our business are available at www.tescoplc.com.

How long has the programme been running?
We have recruited 61 china graduates in the last 6 years.  This will be our 7th year running the China Graduate Programme

What is the process and timelines?
For the 2012 China Graduate Programme the application process is as follows:

  • Website closes for applications: End of January
  • Psychometric tests: Between mid December - February
  • Telephone interviews: January - February
  • Face-to-face interviews in the UK: February
  • Assessment Centres in the UK: March
  • Offers made: late March
  • Start date in China: mid August

What will happen during the interviews?
For the 2012 China Graduate Programme the interview process is as follows: 

  • For those successful after application, you will sit three aptitude tests challenging verbal, numerical & abstract reasoning.
  • Following successful completion of the tests, there will be a short telephone interview to ask you a bit more about yourself & answer any questions you have about Tesco or the programme
  • In the next stage, successful candidates will be invited to a face to face interview (lasting around 1 hour) to assess them against several key criteria (taken from the Tesco Leadership Framework)

What will happen in the Assessment Centres?
Those 40 candidates that reach the final stage will be invited to attend an assessment centre.  They will be invited to a hotel in Hertfordshire for dinner and then, after a good nights sleep a full day of assessment activities.  These will include individual and group exercises and may require you to do some thinking in advance

Can we speak to current Graduates on the programme?
We think that is a great idea to help individuals decide if Tesco’s fast-paced, dynamic culture is for them.  However as we have so many applicants we tend to put them in touch with our current graduates later in the process, otherwise our current graduates would spend hours each week speaking to applicants!

Will I need a work permit to work in the UK?
Yes you will and we will help you apply for one

What are the dates of the programme?
These are to be confirmed, however typically looks like:

  • August 2012 – September 2012 - 6 weeks in China
  • September 2012 –  March 2013 - 6 months in UK
  • March 2013 – August 2013 - 4.5 months in China

I am not in my final year at University can I still apply?
The programme starts in China this year in August therefore we will only accept applications from students in their final year. However, we have run the programme for the last 6 years and it is likely we will continue in the future so I would encourage you to view the Tesco Website from October/November 2012

Is there any flexibility over degree classification i.e. what if I got a 2:2?
Typically we expect at least a 2:1 or equivalent

Can I apply if I already applied previous years?
Yes but please let us know that you are re-applying on your application form

Can other nationalities apply?
All nationalities can apply.  However you will need to be truly bi-lingual (fluent) in both English and Mandarin.  You will also have the right to work in China and be willing to work in the Chinese Business on local terms and conditions

How can I apply?
Applications are completed online through the Tesco Careers website and the address is:

http://www.tesco-graduates.com/home/programmes/international-graduates/china-programme