We recently got to chat with Max about how they secured a management trainee role with Persimmon Homes, what the company culture is like and their top tips for Bright Network members looking to follow in their footsteps.
What attracted you to the role at Persimmon Homes and to working for them?
I was attracted to the role due to my interests in both housing and business, along with the fact you didn’t need a degree-specific qualification to apply. Other companies in the same sector mostly look for individuals with experience/degrees specific to the role, the general outlook of Persimmon's hiring criteria is also what attracted me to the position.
Persimmon Homes offered an amazing opportunity to spend nine weeks in each of their departments, providing a great insight into the overall business. Having the option of multiple career paths after spending a year trying each one out is an enviable position to be in. The programme is also very flexible, tailoring it to the needs and situations that each graduate may face, making sure their experience is as fulfilling as possible.
The size of the business and the fact it is an FTSE 100 company was a massive attraction for me, a business the size of Persimmon Homes has lots of scope for progression and is dedicated to nurturing homegrown talent up the ranks of the business. The public perception of the business could have been better in the past but with the new CEO Dean Finch, many positive organisational changes and mindsets are being improved. It is an exciting time to be working for Persimmon Homes.
How did Bright Network help you secure this role?
Having Bright Network as the intermediary between Persimmon Homes and the prospective graduates was great, it allowed for a timely and seamless process throughout. Compared to other application processes which I have been a part of, Bright Networks communication and speed in results were far superior to any other. Having a personal contact (Katie Fenton) throughout the process was a good way of lessoning both the nerves and pressure that you may put yourself under in these circumstances, with advice points given before each stage.
What is the culture like at Persimmon Homes?
The word I would use to best describe Persimmon Homes culture would be inclusive. From day one I have had support from other trainees all the way up to managing director and regional chairman. The advantage of spending time in every department means you build up good relationships with everyone in the business, the feeling of a community is definitely there with everyone on a first-name basis. A social setting out with work is also promoted, with sports teams and social events for milestones such as employee birthdays.
How did you show a passion for the firm?
Knowledge of the business is essential, knowing what the businesses mission statement and objectives are is essential. Along with researching key issues within the industry and how Persimmon Homes are tackling these. For example, the 2022 & 2024 building standards regulation changes in Scotland, what the impacts of the changes are and how they can be mitigated. Finally and arguably most importantly, ask questions. From your research and current knowledge of the housing industry prepare questions to ask interviewers. This shows both the extent of your research but also your interest in what you have found and your desire to know more, this will impress the interviewers.
What would be your top tip for Bright Network members to follow in your footsteps?
It is important to research each company to make sure that your application is individual and tailored to the specific company. Using examples of the work and experience you have completed in the past which relates to the job role and industry you are applying to. Also looking at what skills they are looking for and have multiple examples on hand to show off your skillset, along with finding a quiet room with an appropriate/plain background if your interview is via Zoom. In preparation for certain stages in an application process, practise tests and help documents online will serve a great purpose when preparing. Bright Network has ample resources like this and is willing to take to graduates and offer advice when needed also.
What has been the most exciting task you've worked on in your first few months in your role?
Being involved in the entirety of a planning application on a residential site was great to see. Watching the workload within the planning department while on my Land rotation and then also the architectural workload while on my Technical rotation. Being given a workload in which to contribute to the application and having a say in meetings held showing the input you give is valued from day one.
Let us know where you've secured your work experience, internship or graduate role. We want to celebrate your success with a gift from us and exclusive invitations to evening networking drinks throughout the year.
