Welcome to Computacenters Associate

Programme 2017

Thank you for applying to Computacenters Associate Programme 2017! This

pack is designed to provide you with everything you will need to know about
the programme, including the interview process, key dates for your diary and
what to expect at each stage.

If at any time you require more information or you have any questions, please
contact;

Jacey May 01707 637 114/ Jacey.May@computacenter.com

About Computacenter
Computacenter is Europe's leading independent provider of IT infrastructure services, enabling users
and their business. We advise organisations on IT strategy, implement the most appropriate
technology, optimise its performance, and manage our customers infrastructures. In doing this we
help CIOs and IT departments in enterprise and corporate organisations maximise productivity and
the business value of IT for internal and external users.
Computacenter provides user support, the best devices, and secure provision of applications and
data to support individual working styles and improve collaboration. To achieve this, we assist with
consulting as well as the implementation and operation of networks and datacenter infrastructures
on or off customers premises and in the cloud.
Rooted in core European countries Computacenter combines global reach with local expertise. We
operate Infrastructure Operations Centers and Group Service Desks across Europe, South Africa and
Asia from which our employees provide user support in 18 languages. Customers with global
requirements are served through an extensive international partner network, which mirrors the
requirements of our European-headquartered client base.

About the Programme

Computacenters Associate Programme 2017 is now live! This 18 month intensive programme is
designed to accelerate the most talented graduates into the world of IT Sales & Business. With
interviews and assessments starting in October 2016, the successful applicants will join
Computacenter in January 2017 on an 18 month rotation of the business.
The Associate role is an 18 month development position within Computacenter UK with Associates
aligned either to our Sales or Service Management functions. The purpose of the Associate programme
is to develop participants to be role ready as Account Managers, Solutions Sales Specialists or Service
Managers at the end of the programme. These roles are a key interface to our customers who comprise
large corporate and government organisations. As an organisation we continue to be successful in
growing the services we provide to our customers and the Associate programme is key to developing
our customer facing teams.
Each Associate is assigned to a Senior Leader in the business who acts as a Mentor during
the programme providing development advice and guidance, a Manager from the aligned
business area is appointed as a Coach providing insight into the day to day role and a current
or a recent Associate is appointed to act as a buddy to the Associate.
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The programme comprises of rotations around the key functions of the business that the
Associate will work with when they move into role at the end of the programme. This not
only provides great insight into how the organisation works but also enables the Associate to
establish a network of contacts across the business. Time is also spent aligned to the Sales
or Service Management teams to give the Associate an insight into the day to day activities of
the team.
Personal development is a key tenet of the programme and Associates are encouraged to
establish a personal development plan at the outset of the programme with support from the
HR team and the Programme Manager. Progress against the plan is continuously reviewed
with support to update and amend this as development goals are achieved. Structured
personal development activities for the whole cohort are also provided including topics such
as Presence and impact and Presentation Skills. 5 days of Solutions Selling training is also
provided which leads to an ISMM recognised accreditation.
Exposure to the leadership of Computacenter is also provided via regular review sessions and
an Executive dining programme.
The nature of the programme is that Associates will be expected to travel between offices
and to customer sites so a willingness to travel is essential.
Computacenter is a large, fast paced corporate organisation so you will be expected to be
proactive in terms of maximising the opportunity provided to you both within the programme
and from the people and areas of Computacenter you will have access to. The programme
provides you with a base line to an extent it will be up to you to manage your time and
activities to be successful
Key Responsibilities Include:
Understanding who Computacenter and what we do
Establishing a broad network of contacts across the organisation
Understanding how Sales, Solutions and Service Management work together to support the
needs of our customers
Establishing a robust personal development plan and ensuring this is acted upon
Understanding how we work with different types of customer organisations in different Sales
and Service Management scenarios
Developing the skills required for dealing with all levels of customer and CC contacts
Key Requirements
Degree or degree level equivalent qualification
Desire to succeed
Excellent interpersonal, communication, literacy and numerical skills
Professional work ethic and the capacity to work well in a deadline driven environment
Ability to solve problems, prioritise and manage workloads
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Assertive with a professional approach to all aspects of work

Experience in building effective relationships and Team working
Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
Ability to resolve simple customer queries

The Application Process

Step 1: Online Application & Questionnaire
Apply online via Computacenters Career page by uploading your CV and completing the online
questionnaire. Please note all sections on the questionnaire must be completed. If you are applying
directly, are an internal applicant or have been referred, please contact Jacey in the Recruitment
team. If you are being represented via an Agency (GRB or Pareto), please contact your Consultant.
Please ensure you include on your CV;
Full Name
Home Address
Contact Number & Email address
Full education & career history

Step 2: SHL Assessment

Upon successful completion of Step 1, you will need to complete two online SHL assessments. You
will receive an email containing your log in details and a link to follow to complete your assessments.
You will be asked to complete a Numerical and Verbal reasoning assessment within a given time
period, please ensure you work to this deadline.
You will be given the chance to sit a practice question for both assessments, also timed, and we
strongly recommend you do this to help prepare you for the actual assessment. Each test will last
approx. 30minutes each. You will be provided with instructions on what to do and what you will
need.
If you successfully pass the SHL Assessments, you will progress to Step 3.

Step 3: Tribe Pad Video

After completing the SHL Assessment, the next step is to complete a short video on our portal, Tribe
Pad. You will receive an invitation via email to complete your video, which will last no longer than 2
minutes. This video can be recorded on your smartphone, ipad, laptop or PC with a webcam.
The subject of the pitch is... Why Computacenter? Why Me? This is a great opportunity for you
to showcase why you want to work for Computacenter and what makes you different! Whilst this is
not an interview, your video will be viewed by your prospective employer so please ensure you stick
to the subject and remain professional at all times.
Things to think about;
Lighting and background noise make sure you are not in a busy room/place so that
we can hear and see you clearly
Be aware of what else is in the video ensure that anything in the background is
suitable and appropriate
Finally, dont worry about following a script or being too rehearsed, we want to see
your personality shine through!
Step 4: Face to Face Interview
If your application is successful after completing your video pitch, you will then be invited into a
Computacenter office for a face to face interview with a Senior Manager and a current Associate. The
interview will last approx. 60minutes and will involve competency based questions, plus an
opportunity for you to ask the current Associate any questions you have on the role.
Please ensure you come prepared to the interview having done your research on Computacenter, the
Programme you are applying for and any questions you may have for the Senior Manager or current
Associate.
Sales Associates Interviews: W/C 17th & 24th October 2016
IT Business Management Interviews: W/C 24th & 31st October 2016
Interview Dress Code: Smart Business Attire

Step 5: Assessment Centre

Based on the results from the interviews, the successful candidates will be invited to attend the
Computacenter Associate Programme Assessment Centre at our Hatfield Head Office. Prior to
attending, you will be asked to complete a short online questionnaire called a Thomas Profile. This is
a form of psychometric testing and will help the Assessors find out more about your skills and
personality traits. It takes approx. 5 minutes to complete and answers are multiple choice.
Sales Associates Assessment Centres: W/C 7th 9th November 2016
IT Business Management Assessment Centres: W/C 14th 16th November 2016
Candidates attending the Assessment Centre will be required to arrive either the afternoon of 7th or
8th November (Sales) and 14th or 15th November (IT Business Management), and will be greeted at a
local Hatfield hotel by the Programme Organisers. Computacenter will book and pay for you to stay
overnight, and you will attend a dinner with the Assessors and some of Computacenters Senior
Leaders. This is an excellent opportunity for you to network and meet the other applicants. As this is
part of the assessment, we ask that you conduct yourself in a professional and appropriate manner
at all times.
The next morning you can expect a bright and early start! You will travel to Computacenters Head
Office for the assessments to commence. It is a long day, so please make sure you are prepared and
raring to go! Lunch and refreshments will be provided throughout the day.
The assessment centre will include;
A group exercise
Presentation
Panel Interview
Head Office Tour
Verification Tests
Question & Answer session with Senior Leader
Evening Dinner Dress Code: Smart Business Attire
Assessment Day Dress Code: Smart Business Attire

What do you need to prepare?

For the face to face interview, please ensure you know the following;
Interviewers full name and job title
Location, date and time of interview
About Computacenter
About the Associate programme
Questions you would like to ask

It is important you come fully equipped and prepared to the assessment centre and you will need
the following;
3 Questions to ask the Senior Leader. You will be required to submit these the night before
the assessment day and you will be scored.
5 minute presentation on Why me? which should detail why Computacenter should hire
you. You can present this is any format you wish a projector and flipcharts will be available.

As you proceed through each stage of the application process, the Recruitment Team will
be on hand to support you and answer any questions you have.

Good Luck!!!