Congratulations on making it to the Candidate Pool of the Saltire Scholars Programme! We believe you have the talent and potential to become a Saltire Scholar. The final decision is made by our host company partners. This means that this stage is very competitive.
In the coming months, you will select the internships you wish to apply for. We shortlist candidates for interviews based on your tailored cover letters, CVs, application and assessment centre feedback. This will be one of the most challenging parts of the application process and there is no guarantee that you will gain an internship. Your University Careers Service and the Saltire Scholars team are here to offer support and guidance.
The information on this page outlines what to expect from the Candidate Pool, including:
As a Saltire Scholars Candidate, you are representing our programme and Entrepreneurial Scotland. Failure to comply may result in you being withdrawn from the selection process.
To start your candidate pool journey, you have to login to our Internships Portal. This is the same login you used when you first applied.
Internships will be advertised on a rolling basis from January 2025 through to May 2025. These will be advertised on our Internship Portal.
To view internship adverts, you must log in to the Internship Portal and go to the search tab at the top.
Depending on your preferences settings on your profile, some internship adverts may be sent via email. Please check the Internship Portal regularly.
Each application will require one document, which should include your tailored CV (no more than two pages) and 400 word maximum tailored Cover Letter.
The first internships will become available to candidates from late January 2025.
For more information and how to apply for internship opportunities, download our guide here.
For each internship, the Scholars team shortlists 3-4 candidates. Shortlisting is based on your tailored cover letter and CV.
As our internships will be competitive (last year some internships received over 50 applications), think carefully about your motivations and suitability for the role.
We will run online drop-in sessions where you can ask a member of our team questions about applications and feedback. Please note, there may be other candidates on the call, when we share feedback.
The candidates who are most successful in this process are those who match their skills and experience to job descriptions and demonstrate good evidence of this.
We notify you by email if you have been successfully shortlisted (or not) for a host company interview. We ask host companies to interview all candidates shortlisted within two weeks of receiving candidate details. Host company timelines are out with our control.
Each host company has their own interview style and process. For internships with international placements, interviews are usually conducted over the phone or online. For Scotland based internships, interviews may be conducted in person, phone or online. Candidates will be required to pay for any fees associated with their interviews travel costs and expenses will not be reimbursed unless stated by the host company.
Complete host company research before your interview. Your University Careers Service and Scholar Alumni will be able to offer advice and support for interview techniques. Be technically prepared for your interview (good wi-fi connection, download and login to any necessary software well in advance of your interview) and take any time zone differences into account.
Communication with host companies should initially be limited to interview logistics and a polite thank you after your interview. Host companies can take several weeks following an interview to make their final decision. The Scholars team will inform candidates of the host company’s decision as soon as we are made aware of this decision. Please do not contact host companies directly for your interview outcome. Any feedback provided will be shared with you.
To apply for an internship role you need to submit a tailored CV and Cover Letter. The candidates who are shortlisted for interview will have their CVs and Cover Letters shared with the Host Company. This will be their first impression of you, so we have provided some hints and tips.
If you have no experience of writing a CV or Cover Letter, we highly recommend the support of your university’s careers services. Make an appointment to see a Careers Advisor and utilise online resources.
You can also view top tips from our alumni on our YouTube Channel.
• Maximum 400 words in your Cover Letter, (the opening and closing salutations are not included within the word count)
• No more than 2 pages for your CV
• Address the Cover Letter to “Dear Hiring Manager”
• File formats should be word .doc or .pdf only
• Tailor your Cover Letter and CV for each role you apply for.
• Mention the role and Host Company by name.
• Demonstrate you have researched the Host Company.
• Demonstrate your experience and skills against the job description/specification.
• Use examples from your work experience, university/course work, family circumstances, hobbies and interests or life experience in general.
• Keep it professional and match the keywords used by the Host Company.
• Do not be vague, use the STAR method.
• Do not ask the Host Company to contact you directly.
• Do not use the same cover letter for multiple applications.
• Double check spelling and grammar.
Candidates who do not follow these guidelines risk forfeiting their candidacy.
During your Saltire Scholars Programme journey, you will have access to learning and development resources which will enable you to gain relevant skills and knowledge. These opportunities will range from practical skills sessions, to inspirational webinars with entrepreneurially minded speakers. The Scholars team will notify you about upcoming events and resources!
Drop-in sessions are a great opportunity for candidates to seek support and advice from the Scholars Team. They are delivered in a group format with up to 3 candidates, so be prepared to discuss your queries in an open forum. Sessions will be made available on a rolling basis, so keep checking the booking link!
To apply, please visit our Internship Portal below.