At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our HR Graduate Programme and support people strategies across various HR functions.
- Company: Hastings Direct, a leading digital insurance provider in the UK.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £33,000, flexible working, healthcare benefits, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Embrace AI tools for CV preparation; independent assessment required.
- Why this job: Become a future leader while making a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree pending in 2026 or achieved within the last 2 years, with customer service experience.
The predicted salary is between 27600 - 38400 £ per year.
Welcome to Hastings Direct – a digital insurance provider set to become the largest in the UK. With significant investments in data, technology, and our 4Cs culture, we’re driven to grow the business while delivering great outcomes for customers, colleagues, and communities.
Programme Overview
This two‑year programme equips you to become a future Hastings leader. Through practical experience, professional development, and mentoring you’ll support people strategies and make a real impact across the organisation. The programme offers rotations across a range of HR functions, giving you a broad understanding of how HR drives organisational performance. You’ll undertake several rotations, including:
- Recruitment
- Employee Relations
- HR Operations
- HR Systems and Data
- Reward
- Communications, PR & Engagement
- Organisational Development & Learning
- Talent and DE&I
- Change
Requirements
- A degree in any discipline pending in 2026 or achieved within the last 2 years
- Experience in a customer service role with a can‑do approach
- People‑motivated with strong attention to detail
- Ability to use information effectively
- Ambition, curiosity and drive
Unfortunately, we cannot offer visa sponsorship for our graduate programmes, so you must be able to prove right to work in the UK for the full 2‑year duration to be eligible. We embrace AI as a tool to support data‑driven ambition. The use of AI to prepare your CV and cover letter is permitted, but all assessment work must be completed independently, without AI assistance.
What We’ll Do
- 15 Dec 2026 – Applications open: you will receive a link to complete psychometric testing via Harver.
- 25 Jan 2026 – Applications close.
- 6 – 22 Feb 2026 – Successful candidates receive a link to complete a video interview.
- 5 Mar 2026 – Successful candidates are invited to an Assessment Centre.
- 12 Mar 2026 – In‑person Assessment Centres take place in Leicester.
Reward & Benefits
- Salary – Starting salary £33,000, with a raise upon completion of year one.
- Flexible Working — flexible and hybrid working within a reasonable commuting distance.
- Competitive Bonus Scheme — subject to company and personal performance.
- Healthcare cash plan and private medical insurance.
- Pension matched up to 10%.
- Free mortgage advice.
- Access to the Thrive mental health app.
- Colleague assistance programme.
- 25 days annual leave and social events throughout the year.
Our 4Cs principles guide everything we do: creating the right culture for our colleagues, providing the right tools, and delivering good outcomes for every customer. This helps us grow the company profitably and sustainably, enabling investment in the communities we serve. Hastings Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status. Note that we conduct thorough referencing, including credit and criminal record checks.
HR Graduate employer: Hastings Direct
Hastings Direct is an exceptional employer for Actuarial Graduates, offering a dynamic work environment in London that fosters professional growth and innovation. With a strong focus on employee well-being, the company provides competitive benefits including flexible working arrangements, a robust bonus scheme, and access to mental health resources. The collaborative culture encourages the development of cutting-edge actuarial skills through hands-on experience with modern tools like Python and AI, making it an ideal place for motivated individuals to launch their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Graduate
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Hastings Direct! Research the company culture, values, and recent news. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for the video interview by rehearsing common HR questions and your responses. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. This can give you insider knowledge about the programme and might even lead to a referral, which can boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on the timeline for assessments and be ready to showcase your skills when the time comes.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Graduate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the HR Graduate Programme. Highlight any customer service roles and relevant coursework to show us you’re a great fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about HR and how your background makes you the perfect candidate for our programme.
Showcase Your People Skills:Since we’re all about people at Hastings Direct, make sure to highlight your people-motivated approach. Share examples of how you've worked well in teams or supported others in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to keep track of your progress throughout the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hastings Direct
✨Know Your HR Basics
Before heading into the interview, brush up on key HR concepts and practices. Understand the different functions you'll rotate through, like recruitment and employee relations. This knowledge will show your genuine interest in the role and help you engage in meaningful conversations.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Experience
Since experience in a customer service role is a requirement, be ready to discuss specific examples where you demonstrated a can-do attitude. Highlight how you resolved issues or improved customer satisfaction, as this reflects your people-motivated approach.
✨Demonstrate Your Curiosity
Hastings Direct values ambition and curiosity, so come prepared with questions about the company culture and the HR Graduate Programme. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if the company aligns with your career goals.
✨Prepare for Psychometric Testing
As part of the application process, you'll need to complete psychometric testing. Familiarise yourself with the types of assessments you might encounter. Practising similar tests online can boost your confidence and improve your performance.
