Question 1

What is GradSignal?

Accepted Answer

GradSignal is a UK graduate tech job board that also provides company-specific interview playbooks. Unlike general job boards, every company on GradSignal has a detailed interview guide containing real interview questions, relevant LeetCode problems, a stage-by-stage process breakdown, and insider tips from past candidates.

Question 2

Is GradSignal free to use?

Accepted Answer

Yes - browsing and saving jobs is completely free. Premium membership (£6.99/month) unlocks full access to company interview playbooks, including LeetCode practice plans, behavioural question banks, and 7-day study plans tailored to specific roles.

Question 3

What types of graduate tech jobs does GradSignal list?

Accepted Answer

GradSignal lists UK graduate roles across Software Engineering, Data Science & Analytics, Cyber Security, IT Support, DevOps, and Cloud Engineering. Both graduate schemes (structured rotational programmes) and standard entry-level permanent roles are included.

Question 4

How is GradSignal different from LinkedIn, Indeed, or Gradcracker?

Accepted Answer

Job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Gradcracker show you the job listing - nothing more. GradSignal adds company-specific interview intelligence: what the process looks like, which coding problems they test, what behavioural questions they ask, and how past candidates prepared. It's a job board and interview coach in one.

Question 5

What is a graduate scheme?

Accepted Answer

A graduate scheme (or graduate programme) is a structured, multi-year entry-level programme run by larger companies. You typically join a cohort of other graduates, rotate through different departments, receive formal training, and have a clear progression path. Examples in UK tech include the Google EMEA Associate Programme, Amazon Future Engineer, Arm Graduate Programme, and BT Technology Graduate Scheme.

Question 6

What is the difference between a graduate scheme and a graduate job?

Accepted Answer

A graduate scheme is a fixed-term structured programme (usually 2–3 years) with rotations, mentoring, and formal training. A graduate job is a permanent entry-level role where you join a specific team immediately. Schemes suit graduates who want structure and aren't sure which specialisation to choose; standard graduate jobs suit those who want immediate responsibility in a specific domain. Read our full comparison in the blog.

Question 7

How do UK tech companies structure their graduate interviews?

Accepted Answer

Most large UK tech employers use a multi-stage process: online application → online assessments (SJTs, coding challenges) → technical phone screen → technical interviews (1–3 rounds of coding/system design) → final stage or assessment centre. Smaller companies and startups often have 2–3 stages with faster turnaround. GradSignal's company playbooks map out the exact process for each employer.

Question 8

Do I need to know LeetCode for UK graduate tech interviews?

Accepted Answer

For software engineering roles at larger UK tech companies (Amazon, Google, Arm, investment bank technology teams), yes - LeetCode-style algorithmic coding problems are common in technical screens. For smaller companies, startups, and non-SWE roles (data, cybersecurity, IT), interviews are often more applied and less algorithm-focused. GradSignal's playbooks specify exactly what each company tests.

Question 9

What salary can I expect as a tech graduate in the UK?

Accepted Answer

In 2026, UK graduate tech salaries range broadly from £24,000–£70,000+ depending on role, company, and location. Top-tier graduate schemes at companies like Google, Amazon, and Goldman Sachs Technology pay £45,000–£70,000+. Mid-tier schemes (BT, Accenture, Capgemini) pay £28,000–£38,000. Scale-up graduate roles in London often pay £35,000–£55,000. Roles outside London typically pay 10–20% less but with significantly lower cost of living.

Question 10

When should I start applying for graduate tech jobs in the UK?

Accepted Answer

For graduate schemes at large companies, applications typically open in September and many close by November for roles starting the following September. This means you should start preparing in your second year if possible. Standard graduate jobs at startups and scale-ups have rolling applications year-round, but the most active hiring period is January–April and August–October.

Question 11

Can I use GradSignal if I've already graduated?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. GradSignal is for anyone looking for entry-level tech roles in the UK - whether you're in your final year, recently graduated, or looking to switch careers into tech. Most companies define 'graduate' as having graduated within the last 2–3 years, though some schemes accept applicants within their first 5 years of graduation.

Question 12

Does GradSignal cover jobs outside London?

Accepted Answer

Yes. GradSignal lists roles across the UK including Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol, Cambridge, Leeds, Birmingham, and more. You can filter jobs by location on the jobs page.

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