Frequently asked questions

A: No. A number of our most senior journalists (for example, the Today presenter, John Humphrys) did not go to university. We are far more interested in what you’ve been doing in your career to date. We’re looking for people who are bright, curious and open to new ways of doing things and to continued learning. However, you will probably have gained a qualification in journalism.

A: We will be assessing your editorial skills. This includes your ability to write to pictures, and write for radio and online. We’ll want to check how well you can handle a developing story. For all candidates there will be an interview, news quiz and group exercise. If you are invited to an assessment day, we'll give you more details about what to expect nearer the time.

A: The assessments will be between July 5 and 9 in west London.

A: You won’t be employed by the BBC, but you will be considered suitable for employment as a journalist in the BBC and will go on to our database. For six months you will be eligible to apply for vacancies which are advertised within the BBC as well as those advertised externally. When a vacancy crops up in the area where you’re keen to work, we will look to see how well your skills and experience match the particular vacancy. If we believe that you would be well suited to the role, we’ll suggest that you apply and give you advice and encouragement.

A: No. There’s no fee involved.

A: No. You’ll be suitable for employment as a BBC journalist. You won’t be an employee unless or until you are actually given a job, a fixed term contract or casual shifts

A: We understand that. If you are working for another media organisation, then we will take care to be discreet in the way we contact you. So you can carry on your work for that organisation and hope that the right vacancy comes up.

A: You can carry on doing that casual work. We’ll be in touch if and when suitable vacancies crop up.

A: If you are on a Continuing, Fixed term or Flexi contract with the BBC, this scheme is not aimed at you.

A: The nature of the broadcast industry nowadays is that people are often employed on three, six or 12 month contracts, so it is likely you will be competing for one of those. It might also be that an editor doesn’t have a contract vacancy but does need good, reliable journalists who live close by and can be available at short notice for casual work. That could be an excellent way of getting to know a particular radio station, TV outlet or online service until something more regular comes up. Short-term or fixed term contracts can be extended and they can also lead on to something else. Our hope is that you will be able to develop a career within the BBC.

A: A good system operates at the BBC under which feedback is given to unsuccessful candidates. So you should be able to find out why you didn’t get the job or contract. We will then be in touch to discuss how you can benefit from that feedback. Our aim will be to help you to learn from that experience and to be in a stronger position when another vacancy arises.

A: We’ll stay in touch with you and keep you up to date. We’ll also see if we can offer any training to further strengthen your CV.

A: As elsewhere in the industry, working as a BBC journalist is not a 9 to 5, Monday to Friday job. Rotas vary from place to place, but you could find yourself having early starts or late finishes. There could well be weekend and night shifts. The recruiting editors can give you details.

A: If you are invited to an interview/assessment, the recruitment team will ask you if you have any access needs and put them in place for you.

If you are successful in getting in to our Journalism Talent Pool and have access requirements, then you will be asked to indicate this. The BBC’s Disability Access Service can then contact you for an assessment to look at what you need and help implement any reasonable adjustments that may be required.