We recruit for potential. That means we focus on skills, behaviours and mindset, rather than technical knowledge or previous experience. This page explains what to expect, what we’re looking for, and how to decide whether one of our emerging talent roles is right for you.
Our application process
We keep our process clear, focused and fair.
Stage one: Online application
You’ll apply through our website and complete a short application form. The questions are designed to help you show:
- How you think and solve problems
- How you learn and respond to feedback
- Your motivation and understanding of the role
- The skills and behaviours you’ll bring to the team.
Rather than listing qualifications or experience, we’ll ask you to give real examples, from work, study, placements, volunteering or life outside work — that demonstrate how you approach situations and challenges.
Top tip: We’re interested in what you did, how you thought it through and what you learned. There’s no “perfect” example, honesty and reflection matter more than outcomes.
Stage two: Shortlisting
Applications are reviewed against clear criteria linked to the role. We’re looking for strong evidence of:
- Curiosity and willingness to learn
- Problem solving and structured thinking
- Ownership, initiative and resilience
- Genuine motivation for the role and our business.
If your application shows strong alignment, you’ll be invited to interview.
Stage three: Interview
We use a single stage interview process.
- Interviews are held either in the office you’re applying to, or via Microsoft Teams
- The interview focuses on skills, behaviours and mindset, not technical knowledge
- You’ll be asked structured questions linked to the same qualities we assess at application stage.
The presentation
As part of the interview, you’ll prepare and deliver a short presentation at the start of the interview.
- The topic will depend on the role you’re applying for
- We’re not looking for polish or technical expertise
- We’re interested in how you structure your thinking, communicate ideas and approach the task.
You’ll be given clear guidance on the topic and timing in advance.
Top tip: Keep it simple. Be clear about your thinking and don’t worry about having all the answers.
What we’re really assessing
Across both stages, we’re consistently looking for evidence of the following behaviours and mindset:
- Curiosity and a thirst for learning
- Openness to feedback and self reflection
- Proactivity and willingness to take ownership
- Adaptability when things change
- Confidence working independently and as part of a team
- Resilience and motivation to keep going when things are challenging.
These qualities matter more to us than prior industry knowledge.
Who our emerging talent roles are best suited for
Our emerging talent roles are a great fit if you:
- Are early in your career and keen to build strong foundations
- Enjoy learning through doing and taking on responsibility early
- Like asking questions and understanding how things work
- Want to be trusted, supported and stretched as you grow
- Are motivated by real work, real clients and real impact
- Are comfortable taking ownership of your development.
You don’t need to have everything figured out but you do need to be curious, engaged and willing to lean into challenge.
What success looks like
Success in one of our emerging talent roles isn’t about knowing everything from day one. It’s about:
- Taking responsibility for your learning and development
- Asking questions and seeking feedback
- Building confidence through supported stretch
- Contributing ideas and taking initiative
- Developing strong professional habits and judgement
- Becoming someone your team can rely on.
We believe progression comes from positive challenge, trust and ownership, and we’ll support you to grow at pace if you’re willing to step forward.
This role might not be for you if…
We want people to apply with confidence and clarity. This might not be the right fit if you:
- Prefer very structured tasks with constant direction
- Are looking for a role with minimal responsibility early on
- Expect to be told exactly what to do rather than using your judgement
- Aren’t comfortable receiving feedback or reflecting on your performance
- Are applying mainly because it “seems like a good option”, rather than genuine interest.
Our environment suits people who want to be involved, challenged and trusted.
A final word...
We know applying for roles early in your career can feel daunting. Remember, we’re not looking for finished professionals. We’re looking for people with the right mindset, values and potential to grow with us.
If that sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
Emerging Talent FAQ's
To find out the answers to some frequently asked questions about our Emerging Talent programmes, read our FAQ's below.
What Emerging Talent programmes do we offer?
We offer a range of early careers opportunities designed to help you grow your expertise and build your career, including:
- Internships – short-term placements with real project experience
- Placement years – longer-term roles as part of your degree
- Apprentice roles - earn while you learn, gaining professional qualifications alongside hands-on experience
- Graduate roles – full-time positions with structured early career development.
What will I do on the programme?
From day one, you’ll be part of the team.
You’ll:
- Work on real projects and contribute to live client work
- Take on responsibility early and build confidence
- Learn from technical experts and experienced colleagues
- Develop both your technical and commercial skills.
You won’t just observe – you’ll step forward, take ownership and make an impact from day one.
What professional qualifications can I work towards?
Depending on your role and specialism, you may have the opportunity to work towards recognised industry qualifications, including:
- RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)
- SCSI (Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland)
- CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers)
- CIAT (Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists)
- ISEP (Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals).
We’ll support you through:
- Structured learning and development
- Mentoring from experienced colleagues
- Practical experience aligned to your qualification.
We expect you to take ownership of your development, seek feedback and build your expertise over time.
When do applications open?
Applications open on 1 November each year.
When do interviews take place?
Interviews are held in December and January following the application deadline. They take place in person at the office you have applied to.
What are you looking for in candidates?
We’re looking for people who reflect how we work:
- Curious and motivated to learn
- Collaborative and supportive
- Willing to challenge and contribute ideas
- Ready to take ownership and grow.
We value potential, ambition and mindset as much as experience.
Do I need previous experience?
No
We focus on:
- Your willingness to learn
- Your ability to take on challenge
- Your curiosity and drive.
We believe growth comes through supported stretch and real responsibility.
What does the recruitment process involve?
Our process is designed to be clear, fair and supportive. It typically includes:
- An online application
- Initial screening
- Interviews in December and January.
We’ll keep you informed at every stage.
What support will I receive?
We’ll support you to develop quickly and confidently through:
- Structured development and clear career pathways
- Regular feedback and coaching
- Opportunities to specialise or explore different areas
- Real responsibility that builds capability and confidence.
You’ll be encouraged to lean into challenge, seek feedback and take ownership of your development.
Will I have ownership and autonomy?
Yes.
You’ll have:
- Freedom to shape your work
- Trust to take ownership
- Support from managers who care about your development.
We expect you to act like an owner, use your judgement and bring solutions.
Will I have exposure to clients and the wider business?
Yes – early and often.
You can expect:
- Client exposure from an early stage
- Opportunities to take responsibility for work
- Insight into the commercial side of the business
We’ll help you build both technical expertise and commercial edge.
What is the culture like at Hollis?
We’re proud of our One Team, people-first culture.
You’ll experience:
- A supportive, collaborative environment
- Colleagues who share knowledge and push you to grow
- A culture that values difference and inclusion
- Strong relationships across teams and across Europe.
We expect you to be a generous teammate, get involved and build your network.
What impact can emerging talent have in the business?
Emerging talent play a vital role in shaping our future. From day one, they bring fresh thinking, curiosity and new perspectives that help us see things differently and move forward with confidence. They challenge how we work, spark new ideas and contribute to meaningful projects that make a real difference.
As they grow, they become an integral part of our teams — building relationships, driving innovation and helping us evolve. By investing in emerging talent, we’re not just supporting individual careers, we’re strengthening our business for the long term and creating a culture where people can thrive and succeed together.
Will my ideas be heard?
Yes.
We actively encourage:
- Speaking up and contributing ideas
- Challenging constructively
- Finding better, smarter ways of working.
Your voice matters – and we expect you to use it to shape and improve what we do.
What does progression look like?
Progression is based on your contribution, ambition and development.
You’ll benefit from:
- Clear career pathways
- Opportunities to specialise or move across disciplines
- Recognition for the impact you make.
At Hollis, your ambition sets the pace.
Can I use AI tools (such as ChatGPT) when applying?
We recognise that AI is part of how people learn and work.
You can use it to support your application, but it shouldn’t replace your own thinking.
Your application should reflect:
- Your ideas
- Your experience
- Your understanding of us.
What do you expect if I use AI?
We expect you to:
- Be authentic – your answers should be your own
- Be accurate – everything should reflect your real experience
- Be confident – you can explain what you’ve submitted.
We’re interested in how you think and how you approach problems.
Are there risks to using AI?
Yes. Overusing AI can lead to:
- Generic or impersonal responses
- Answers that don’t reflect you
- Difficulty discussing your application in interviews.
The strongest applications are individual, thoughtful and genuine.
Can I use AI during interviews or assessments?
Unless told otherwise, we expect interviews and assessments to reflect your own thinking.
We’ll always give clear guidance ahead of time.
Can I apply for more than one role?
Yes, if your skills and interests align.
When will I hear back?
We’ll keep you updated throughout the process and communicate clearly at each stage.
What if I need adjustments?
We want everyone to feel supported. Please let us know if you need any adjustments at any stage of the process.