Emerging talent application procress

Both Mace Consult and Mace Construct want the application process to be a two-way street: providing you with the opportunity to showcase your skills and passions while also giving you an insight into what it’s like to work at either business.

To guide you through the process, we’ve created a step-by-step guide that outlines each stage, from submitting your application to receiving your offer. We’ve also included plenty of tips and advice to help you prepare for each stage. Our main piece of advice though is simple: be yourself! Ask plenty of questions, get stuck in, and don’t be afraid to show your strengths and let your passion shine through.

1. Online application form

We want to get to know you, your background, and what drives you. Simply choose a role that interests you and answer a series of questions on our application form to get started. In keeping with our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, we’ve adopted a hiring process where we don’t even require a CV or cover letter! Instead, we ask you the information we need in the application form.

Opening date: Roles for Mace Consullt and Mace Construct are open from September for a start the following year. But keep an eye out, as we may have additional roles open throughout the year depending on business needs. So, if the role you’re looking for is not currently live, we recommend checking back regularly to stay up-to-date.

Closing date: Recruitment is ongoing, so we don’t have specific application deadlines. Roles are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and we close applications once we’ve filled the role or are close to doing so. Applying early will therefore give you a stronger chance of being successful. Even for vacancies with advertised closing dates, these dates are approximate and may be subject to change.

To get started, head over to the Emerging Talent vacancies page for the business you want to work with:

Search and apply for the role that best fits your skills and interests. Keep in mind that we can only accept one application per candidate per academic year, so be sure to focus on the opportunity that aligns with your goals and aspirations.

2. Video interview

If your application is progressed to the next stage, we’ll invite you to complete a pre-recorded video interview where we’ll focus on your strengths as well as your motivation for the organisation your applying with as well as your chosen role. You’ll have five calendar days to complete this, with the flexibility to record the interview at a time and place that works best for you.

3. Virtual assessment centre

The next and final stage is a virtual assessment centre, where you’ll have the opportunity to both deepen your understanding of Mace Consult or Mace Construct and showcase your potential for the role. We’ll give you a personal call within a week at the latest to share the outcome of your assessment centre and go through your feedback with you. Prior to the assessment centre, you will receive all the details you need to prepare. You can expect to take part in activities such as:

Individual task

We'll provide you with a brief or some data which you'll use to prepare a recommendation to present back to an assessor. This is a great opportunity for you to showcase your creativity and problem-solving skills.

Group exercise

You'll take part in an interactive fictional activity with your team, where we'll be looking at how you collaborate with and influence others. We'll be watching closely to see how you shine in a group setting, so get ready to make an impact!

Individual interview

Time for us to get to know you better. We'll ask you a range of questions that assess your strengths, values, and alignment with Mace's competencies. We can't wait to learn more about you!

Meet a trainee

You'll have the chance to chat with our trainees and gain insights into their experience at Mace.

4. Offer

If you’re successful after the assessment centre, you’ll receive an offer from Mace Consult or Mace Construct, and an online contract to sign. Then, the countdown to joining begins! We'll assign you a buddy contact and a line manager to help you settle in smoothly for your first day.

We’ll invite you to join our online pre-joiner community, where you can start connecting with your new colleagues before you start. We’ll also organise a pre-joiner event where you can meet your cohort in person, participate in fun activities, and build relationships that will last throughout your career. This is the perfect opportunity to start building a supportive network and get a head start on your exciting journey with us.

Our advice for the process

How to approach the application form?

Research Mace Consult or Mace Construct, as well as the industry. Demonstrate your passion for the organisation you're apply for and a career in the built environment by showcasing your knowledge of the company, its values, priorities, what your chosen role involves, and the qualification that you’d undertake (for apprentices). Quality over quantity.

How to approach the video interview?

Carefully consider each question and craft your responses to fit both Mace and the role you’re applying for. Use concrete examples to support your answers and try practicing beforehand using the STARR interview technique. We also strongly recommend that you create an account and complete a practice assessment on our partner’s platform beforehand to help you get comfortable with the video interview process.

How to approach the individual task?

Carefully analyse the given information, identify the key issues, and present a well-structured and persuasive argument for your recommendations. Use data and evidence to support your proposals and consider potential challenges and risks in your analysis. Be clear in your delivery and ensure that your presentation is engaging and understandable for your audience. Finally, be prepared to answer any questions or challenges from the assessors.

How to approach the group exercise?

Remember to actively listen to your teammates and contribute your ideas in a clear and concise way. Be open to different perspectives and work collaboratively towards a solution. Pay attention to the time and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to speak.

How to approach the individual interview?

Remember to give specific examples to support your answers and demonstrate your strengths. Make sure to research the company and the role beforehand, and be prepared to discuss how your experience and strengths align with Mace Consult or Mace Construct, their values and priorities. Take a moment to think before answering each question, and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if needed.

How to approach meeting a trainee?

Be curious and ask insightful questions about their experience so far, their day-to-day work, and how they have been able to develop professionally. It’s a great opportunity to gain real-life insight into what it’s like to work at either organisation.

Adjustments to the application process

We champion talent from all backgrounds at Mace. We're committed to ensuring everyone can access our application process equally, and that everyone has a fair opportunity to perform at their best.

As an accredited Disability Confident employer and a proud supporter of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme, we actively encourage applications from those who identify as disabled, neurodivergent, or who live with long-term physical or mental health conditions.

Some examples of adjustments we’ve made in the past include providing extra time for assessments, offering live closed captions during online assessment centres, extra breaks, and adjusting the font size or colour of assessment materials to better accommodate each individual’s needs.

If at any point you need further guidance or support to perform to your full potential, our Emerging Talent Recruitment Team is always here to help. Simply reach out to us at emerging.talent@macegroup.com and let us know what you’re comfortable sharing in your own time (we monitor this inbox daily Monday-Friday). Please rest assured that any information you provide will be kept confidential and only used to put the right support in place. 

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