Saltire Scholars Candidate Pool: Advice for Candidates

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 Failure to comply may result in you being withdrawn from the selection process.

2025-Candidate-Pool.png

Candidate Pool Process

2025-Candidate-Process-1.png


Click on the steps below to learn more.

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.

Cover Letter and CV - Hints and Tips

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.

Important things to consider

  • Only apply to positions where you meet the essential requirements. For example, driving licence, age.
  • Check your eligibility including any Right to Work and Visa requirements/restrictions.
  • Remember this is a very competitive process and not every candidate will be successful in securing an internship position.
  • Read about Scholar's internship experiences on our Scholar Blogs page here.
  • If you have a query that is not answered on this page, please read our FAQs
  • When you accept an internship offer you are required to sign a placement agreement. This contract is legally binding. If you change your mind, you will be responsible for paying any financial repercussions. Once a placement agreement is signed, you cannot apply to any further roles
  • Candidates may have an interview with more than one host company at the same time. If you are successful in receiving an internship offer from one company, you have 24 hours to decide if you would like to accept that offer, or decline and continue with the application process for other internships.
  • Saltire Scholars on international internships (outside of the UK) will receive return travel from Scotland to their internship city, accommodation for the duration of their internship, insurance, some visa fees (where applicable) and a weekly stipend to cover basic living costs.
  • All UK based, and virtual internships, will be paid at the UK National Real Living Wage. Salary will be paid directly by the host company and Scholars are responsible for sourcing their own accommodation and commute to work. Scholars must have the Right to Work in the UK and have a valid UK National Insurance Number.
  • You must remain in the UK 4 weeks prior to departure if a visa application is required. This will allow time to complete all the compulsory paperwork for your visa and ensure you are available to attend any embassy appointments.
  • Be conscious of your passport expiry date. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your return date.
  • Double-check your eligibility for the position as described in the job role (Age, drivers licence, nationality). Some roles have specific criteria due to security clearances which can prohibit nationals of certain countries from applying.

More than an Internship

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!

MTAI-1.png

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!

MTAI-2.png

Apply for Internships

To apply, please visit our Internship Portal below.

Internship-Portal.png