UK Ministry of Defence Graduate Software Engineer Interview Questions
& Process

I started with a big application form on the CS jobs website, which included an experience proforma with questions needing written answers. After a few weeks, I got a call for a phone role-play interview. They let me know about a week ahead, and the day before, I got a document detailing the role-play scenario and the questions they wanted answered. The interview was about 30 minutes, with the first half being a full role-play and the second half being competency-based questions asked within the role-play. Then, I was invited to an assessment center in Bristol with three assessed tasks: 1) a 1:1 Role play meeting where I had 1 hour prep, a 20 min meeting, and 15 min email writing. I was given docs like emails and maintenance logs and had to prepare and lead a meeting about an issue with someone from another department, discuss solutions, and then write an email to my line manager summarizing it. 2) A written analysis task (1.5 hours) where I was given 10 emails to respond to, with 3 requiring full reports and the others just short replies. 3) A 1:1 Role play briefing (1hr prep, 20 min presentation). I was given docs about a project and manufacturers, and I had to figure out the best manufacturer and present my findings. There was also a bit on team dynamics and handling interpersonal issues. The rest of the day involved admin, presentations, and breaks. The whole day felt pretty relaxed, and the staff were really nice and welcoming. Nothing felt like a trap; it was mostly about people skills, common sense, and making practical decisions.

I applied online and it took 8 weeks to hear back. Then I got selected for a telephone interview. It was a scenario based role playing interview and had no relation to engineering. I was tasked to provide ideas for Social Networking that would be sure to be accessible from off-site employees and be inclusive to all backgrounds. I described an intranet forum type framework that would encompass a linked-in style professional history and interests section that could help employees meet people with similar interests whilst also providing a mechanism for engineers to discuss aspects of professional work with others of relevant experience. Also provided ideas on scheduled meet and greets, sporting clubs/teams/casual participation with occasional team work building trips. I am not an events organiser.

The whole process is quite long, but it was actually very engaging. They made me feel comfortable during the day. It had multiple different stages, including online tests, a phone assessment with a case study, and an assessment centre. The assessment centre itself had multiple different stages, like answering emails, an interview, and another case study with a face-to-face role play.