How to apply: Data Science and Engineering
We want applications from people of all backgrounds and have created a recruitment process that gives everyone the chance to excel. So, if you already have, or are on track to gain a 2:2 degree or above then apply now. Our biggest tip for the application process is just to be yourself! If you share our vision, are eager to learn and can help push us forward, then we want you.
Visit our Assessment Practice Zone for an assessment preview and hints and tips on how to best prepare for the assessments.
Data Science
While we don’t request a specific degree subject for our Data Science programme, you need a strong level of existing knowledge around coding, modelling and data manipulation, including relatively in-depth knowledge of statistics and you must be familiar with applying methodologies such as Logistic Regression, Random Forests, SVM, XGBoost and Time-Series Modelling. You will be also required to build software solutions in Python that are well tested, using Git for source control.
Furthermore, you will be involved in data engineering tasks such as manipulating data with SQL and building data pipelines for machine learning. Cloud experience is a plus but by no means essential. All of this will be assessed in the one-stage assessment and at the virtual assessment day.
We recommend taking our practice tests – specifically, lessons 1-5 – before you apply. These will give you an idea of the skills we're looking for, and whether this is the right stream for you.
Engineering
Due to the technical nature of this graduate programme, you’ll need to have existing knowledge around coding. While it’s not essential for you to have a Engineering (or related) degree, you would be required to have an understanding of at least one modern programming language or framework, such as (but not limited to), JavaScript, C# or Python., as well as a love of technology and a strong desire to learn. All of this will be assessed in the one-stage assessment and at the virtual assessment day.
We recommend taking our practice tests – specifically, lessons 16-17 – before you apply. These will give you an idea of the skills we're looking for, and whether this is the right stream for you.
Closing dates
Applications will open soon and will close once we have received enough applications. This could be prior to the published close dates; therefore we encourage you to make your application promptly to avoid disappointment. Please note that you need to have completed both your application and first stage assessment prior to the indicated closing date in order to proceed with your application.
Once you have made an application and completed the first-stage assessment we will be in contact as to the outcome and next steps following the advertised closing date for the programme you have applied for. We predict that candidates will be completing the first-stage assessment during October, November, and December and our virtual assessment days are likely to take place from January through to March 2023.
For Data Science and Engineering, there are two stages to the application process.
Stage 1: Application form and first-stage assessment
Application form
Once you’ve found the ideal opportunity, click the apply button. You will then be asked to register and provide us with some details about yourself. We don’t require your CV and we don’t rely solely on your past successes. During all stages we are looking for you to share our values and demonstrate your potential.
For queries regarding reasonable adjustments and equal opportunities, check out our FAQs.
First-stage assessment
Our first-stage assessment will provide you with insight into Lloyds Banking Group and an understanding of how we support our customers and the wider community.
During this assessment you will be assessed against the following:
- Strengths
- Values
- Technical/Coding ability
It gives you a look at the types of projects you could work on if you join us. We’ll assess you on how you’d approach different challenges in real-life work situations. The assessment can be completed in different stages and we recommend that you take a break between each of the assessments Please spend some time in our Assessment Practice Zone, which provides further insight into our assessments.
You will be presented with a range of assessment material during the assessment which includes audio content, additional resources (articles, mock emails) and different question types.
First-stage assessment (continued)
Some of the questions will require you to rank order a selection of responses or demonstrate your preferences, analyse and interpret the information and data. Any supporting charts and graphs are data driven, enabling you to interact with them and display values.
All audio content includes closed captions and allows users to pause. Our question text is displayed at a minimum size of 14px and you are able to zoom in/out of the content on the screen. The assessment items also have keyboard navigation available.
The assessment includes time-limited questions where you will be required to record a video response or written response. If you have a disability, long-term health or neurodiverse condition, this may have an impact on the ability to complete the assessment in a fair manner and you may require additional time or adjustments to complete these questions within the assessment. You will have the opportunity to request additional time within your application form.
First-stage assessment (continued)
We advise that if you are unsure whether you require adjustments, please do reach out to have a discussion before taking the tests as unfortunately they cannot be repeated.
Your application cannot be considered until the first-stage assessment is submitted. We’ll send you a feedback report within a few days of completing the first stage and we’ll advise on your outcome following the advertised closing date for the programme you have applied for.
Stage 2: Virtual assessment day
The final stage of the application process will be a virtual assessment day.
The virtual assessment day will be a full day of face-to-face assessment via Microsoft Teams. It will work in a similar way to a face-to-face assessment day, with numerous candidates and assessors in attendance. Tasks will include short problem-solving style activities, a one-to-one interview as well as group-based activities.
You will require access to a laptop/iPad and a good internet connection for the full day, and ideally somewhere to sit where you can be free from distractions. Microsoft Teams can be accessed via a mobile phone however as you will be required to review information on screen we recommend that you use a larger screen such as a laptop or iPad.
Stage 2: Virtual assessment day (continued)
We appreciate that not all candidates will have access to a laptop/iPad and a good internet connection as we all have different home environments. If this is something you would like to discuss, please do contact us if you wish to discuss as we are able to provide laptop access within one of the Lloyds Banking Group offices. If you are required to travel to one of our offices we will also discuss your travel expenses and how Lloyds Banking Group can support with these.
While there is nothing specific you can prepare in advance, we do recommend spending some time in our Assessment Practice Zone, which provides further insight into our assessments, and please consider how you can articulate why you are able to articulate why you are considering a career with Lloyds Banking Group, and in particular, the programme you have applied for.
Stage 2: Virtual assessment day (continued)
But the day isn’t just about us assessing you - you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about Lloyds Banking Group, our values and our culture. You’ll get to meet (virtually!) the assessors who are colleagues at Lloyds Banking Group, and some of our current Graduates who can tell you about their own journey and answer your questions.
If you’re advised that you’ve passed the first-stage assessment you will then be invited to attend one of our virtual assessment events, and will be asked to book onto one session.
1. Take some time to think about why
We want to know how you feel about a particular Programme and why it interests you. And since our purpose is to Help Britain Prosper, we’d love to hear examples of how you live our values. Whether it’s your experience of volunteering or your ambitions to get involved in our charity work, how can you help us achieve our purpose while achieving yours?
2. Think about your strengths
Strengths-based interviews are a bit different from traditional assessments. We’d like to learn about what you’re naturally good at, so be prepared to show us how you do things across various exercises – on your own and with a group – on our assessment days.
3. Let us know if you need extra support
We recognise that everyone is different, and we’ve tried to make our application process accessible to everyone.
For the Virtual Assessment Day we appreciate that not all candidates will have access to a laptop/iPad and a good internet connection as we all have different home environments. If this is something you would like to discuss, please do contact us as we are able to provide laptop access within one of the Lloyds Banking Group offices. If you are required to travel to one of our offices we will also discuss your travel expenses and how Lloyds Banking Group can support with these.
If you have any accessibility requirements or need any other help to complete your application or through the assessment process, email the team at lloydsbankinggrouptalent@peoplescout.co.uk or call 0345 330 4576.
4. Visit our Assessment Practice Zone
Visit our Assessment Practice Zone for an assessment preview and hints and tips on how to best prepare for the assessments.
Above all, we want to see the real you
We’re not interested in perfectly performed responses and learned answers. We want to hear what you’re truly passionate about, and why you believe this programme is right for you. So, be yourself! We’re looking forward to meeting you.
If you have any questions about the assessment process that aren't covered in our FAQs, email the team at lloydsbankinggrouptalent@peoplescout.co.uk or call 0345 330 4576.