Role profile library Predefined role profile

Generic Graduate

The behaviours this profile measures, drawn from the great{with}talent job library and occupational research. Download the full competency-based interview guide to assess them.

Universal Competency Model
The full interview guideCompetency-based questions, follow-up probes and a 1–5 rating form for each behaviour — ready to print or run on screen.
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Behaviours assessed — 5 priority competencies
1

Personal Development

Takes responsibility for their own development, setting clear goals in the process. Seeks out new development opportunities, learning from their successes and failures. Proactively asks others for feedback.
Why this matters for Generic Graduate: Universally named #1 across triangulated sources (AGCAS, ISE Annual Recruitment Survey, CBI/Pearson Education and Skills Survey, FindMyWhy generic graduate evidence). Graduates are pre-experience by definition; the rate at which they learn is what differentiates the high performers from the rest. ISE: 90%+ of employers select for this. CBI: consistently top-rated. AGCAS: explicit competence.
2

Decision Making

Understands critical success factors and assesses a range of possible options before making a decision. Steps back and seeks alternative perspectives when faced with unfamiliar scenarios. Willing to make decisions without access to all the information. Considers the implications of their decisions beyond the immediate issue.
Why this matters for Generic Graduate: Assessment centres consistently test this through case studies, in-tray exercises, and group exercises. AGCAS names explicitly; CBI rates highly. The graduate's first 18 months involves making consequential decisions with incomplete information across rotations and projects — this is the cognitive-and-judgement combination employers test for at AC.
3

Organisational Skills

Establishes clear priorities and builds plans to ensure delivery on time. Works in a systematic manner and manages resources efficiently. Quickly adapts plans as circumstances require. Sees things through to completion.
Why this matters for Generic Graduate: Graduate schemes select for ability to manage workload across multiple workstreams, projects, and rotations. CBI names 'self-management' as consistently top-rated; ISE explicit on workload management. Time management and priority-setting under uncertainty is universally tested across graduate scheme contexts.
4

Collaborative Working

Looks to understand others’ perspectives and objectives. Respects different styles/approaches, whilst adapting their own style to enable them to work effectively with others.
Why this matters for Generic Graduate: Universally named across all triangulated sources. Graduates work across functions, often in cohorts, often with senior stakeholders. Group exercises at AC test this directly. AGCAS names 'teamwork' as a core competence; CBI consistently top-rated; ISE named.
5

Personal Leadership

Takes responsibility for their own actions. Proactively takes on additional responsibilities and drives their own performance. Lives their own values, actively acknowledges and seeks feedback from others.
Why this matters for Generic Graduate: ISE: 'takes ownership'; CBI: 'drive and initiative'; FindMyWhy: 'lives values, seeks feedback'. The graduate who waits for direction does not progress; the graduate who takes responsibility for their own development and impact does. This is the differentiator that early-career performance reviews consistently identify.