IBM Careers: Guide & Tips for April 2024
Updated November 10, 2023
- Types of IBM Jobs Available for April 2024
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- IBM Hiring Process
- IBM Assessments
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- IBM Assessment Question Examples
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- Tips For Interviewing at IBM for April 2024
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
International Business Machines (IBM) is a multinational technology company.
Founded in 1911 and headquartered in New York, the company now operates in over 170 countries.
IBM produces and sells computer hardware, middleware and software, as well as providing hosting and consulting services in numerous computer areas.
The company is one of the largest employers in the world, with more than 281,100 employees.
The IBM application process is competitive, whether it's for an internship, entry-level or experience professional role. It involves an initial application (which requires a resume upload), online assessments and an interview round. Once you have worked your way through the stages, if successful, you’ll receive an offer.
The online assessment round is often the stage of the hiring process that applicants find hardest. IBM may ask you to complete a coding assessment, video assessment and/or an English Language test.
The interview round consists of a technical interview – exploring your skills and knowledge – and a HR interview – delving into your motivation and personality to assess if you are a good fit for the role.
Types of IBM Jobs Available for April 2024
IBM has a wide range of job opportunities available across career levels – providing fulfilling roles for graduates, early career professionals, experienced professionals and senior management staff.
IBM offers summer internships, entry-level and professional roles within the following 14 business areas:
- Consultancy
- Data Science
- Design
- Development
- Finance
- HR
- Marketing and Communications
- Product Management
- Technical Sales
- Technical Specialisation
- Analytics
- Corporate Strategy
- Enterprise Operations
- Services and Procurement
Internships
Recruitment for IBM internships is open year-round, with IBM recruiters often active on university campuses from September – positions are confirmed mid-to-late summer.
Interns receive competitive pay, a relocation stipend and access to learning and development opportunities, as well as the potential to return to IBM full time.
Internships provide networking and mentoring opportunities, while interns work on real IBM projects that have meaning and impact.
At the end of the internship, interns can display their progress in the end of summer showcase and increase their chances of securing a full role at the company.
Graduates
At IBM, graduates should apply for entry-level roles, which can be explored on the IBM website.
These entry-level roles give graduates responsibilities from the word go and provide opportunities to learn and grow a career within an open, collaborative and trusting culture.
P-Tech: Technical Pathways Program
IBM’s Technical Pathways Program (or P-Tech) helps school students from underserved backgrounds earn their high school diploma and a two–year associate degree, so they have the academic, technical and professional skills needed for a STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) career.
IBM’s Veteran Hiring Initiative
IBM’s Veteran Hiring Initiative helps military personnel transition into a STEM career.
In fact, IBM’s workforce includes over 2,000 veterans.
Veterans are encouraged to apply for any role of interest across IBM’s business units and locations and will receive on the job training, with the opportunity to develop new skills.
The New Collar Programme
The New Collar Programme focuses on addressing the technology industry’s skills gap by providing opportunities for skilled individuals without a diploma.
The programme features two streams: an apprenticeship that recruits based on aptitude and then imparts skills training and a tech re-entry programme for technical professionals looking to re-enter the workforce after a career break.
IBM is also proud to be an organisation with neurodivergent-friendly hiring and development opportunities. It also provides neurodiversity training for all employees through the ND@IBM programme.
To stay up to date with career opportunities that align with your interests, sign up to the IBM Talent Network. You’ll receive emails about job vacancies and online or local careers events.
IBM Hiring Process
The IBM hiring process is multi-stage but features simple steps, including an online application, assessment round and an interview.
The first step is to identify a job opening that is suitable and appealing to you. Once you’ve found an opportunity that excites you, submit an online application.
The IBM application form will ask you for your personal details, educational background and work experience, through an upload of your resume.
It may also ask you to complete a couple of questions detailing your motivation for applying and why you believe you are a good fit for the role.
All applications undergo screening by a member of the relevant IBM recruitment team.
If your application passes the screening stage, you’ll be invited to complete an online assessment round. These online assessments will differ depending upon the role you have applied for, but commonly feature a coding assessment, video assessment and English Language assessment.
If you achieve a high score in the pre-employment testing round, you’ll be invited to progress to the interview stage. IBM likes to hold interviews in person where possible but, if this is not possible due to geographical location or public health concerns, your interview(s) will be held virtually.
You’ll likely be invited to two interviews – a technical interview and a HR interview.
The first will focus upon your skills and knowledge related to your chosen role and business area, whilst the latter will evaluate your personality and behavioural preferences to determine if you are a good fit for the team, department and company culture.
It will also cover your motivation for working for IBM within your chosen role. Prepare your answers in advance to have something to say for these questions.
If you impress the recruitment team at the interviews, you’ll receive an offer to take up your position at IBM. Congratulations will be in order!
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IBM Assessments
There are three main assessments that candidates may be asked to complete when applying for roles. You won’t be required to take them all – the test set will depend on the position and business area you are interested in.
Coding Assessment
The coding assessment is designed to assess programming knowledge and ability. It presents a series of coding questions related to the position you are applying for. These questions will be multiple-choice or require you to input or amend a short segment of code via a coding interface.
Video Assessment
The IBM video assessment gives the recruiters a chance to get to know your skills and personality through your responses to a series of interview questions exploring your motivation, experience and approach to work.
This assessment is asynchronous; you’ll record your answers using your webcam and microphone and submit them for review.
English Language Assessment
The English Language assessment consists of multiple-choice questions featuring text. Its purpose is to gain insight into the candidate’s level of English proficiency.
IBM Assessment Question Examples
Online assessment rounds can be daunting, as the expectations and question formats differ depending on the employer. The timed nature of the tests makes candidates nervous and concerned about displaying the full extent of their abilities.
As with all online assessments, it is important to prepare for IBM’s online testing round. Below are some examples of the types of questions you will encounter on the coding and English Language assessment.
Coding Question Examples
The IBM coding questions range from simple questions on the definition of commands and functions, such as:
- What is a string?
- What is an array?
- What is the purpose of X command?
To more complex questions requiring comparisons or more detailed explanations:
- Why is an array important?
- Commands: What is the difference between X and X? (for example, quick sort and merge sort)
- What is the advantage of using X over X? (in a given scenario)
And then on to trickier more detailed questions asking you to write short sections of code from a given brief.
These exercise-based questions may also be encountered at your technical interview and you may be required to explain your solution to your interviewer.
English Language Question Examples
There are usually 10 questions on the English Language test and candidates receive 10 minutes to answer them.
Some questions will ask you to provide a synonym or antonym for a given word.
For example:
Select the synonym for the word below:
Innovative
a) practical
b) complicated
c) pioneering
d) impressive
Other questions will assess your ability to use the correct tense or grammar in a sentence.
For example:
Select the word that should go in the blank space below:
The product must be developed ______ the end user in mind._
a) for
b) with
c) to
d) at
Another form of question may ask you to identify the tense used in a sentence.
For example:
Which tense is used in the sentence below?
The client attended the meeting.
a) simple present
b) past perfect
c) future perfect
d) simple past
Tips For Interviewing at IBM for April 2024
The final hurdle of the IBM hiring process is the interview stage.
To increase your chances of success at interview, consider the following top tips:
Step 1. Do Your Research
Before your interview, it is vital to learn about IBM, your chosen business area and any current industry developments. A good knowledge of the company and industry displays your enthusiasm for the role.
In IBM’s interviewing tips, they reiterate this point – make sure you know your stuff when it comes to IBM and can confidently articulate why you want to work for the company as well as within your chosen role.
Step 2. Dress Appropriately
IBM doesn’t have a dress code but does require employees to dress suitably for their role and the occasion. For your interview, dress professionally in smart clothing to create a good impression.
Step 3. Illustrate Your Talents
At your interview, it is important to answer the questions in a concise but engaging way. You likely already know the importance of backing up all your points with evidence from your academic career or experience.
If you can, remember to use statistics to evidence your impact in a previous role or on a project. These are memorable and will likely get noted down in your favour.
Step 4. Be On Time
Whether your interview is held virtually or in person, it is essential that you are punctual. Arrive around 10 minutes early so you aren’t rushed and have time to compose yourself.
If you are travelling into an IBM office, map your route ahead of time and allow a time buffer for transportation delays. Being late for the interview will likely cost you your place in the application process, so guard against this.
IBM is a well-respected employer; therefore, their recruitment process is competitive.
A good understanding of the hiring process and appropriate preparation for each stage – particularly for the online assessment round and interview – will increase your chances of success.
Yes, the IBM New Collar Programme accepts applicants without a degree or diploma, valuing the practical experience and skills gained in the world of work.
IBM’s job requirements differ depending on the job role, business area and location.
It’s best to carefully check the requirements listed on the vacancy page to determine if you’re a good fit for a role.
IBM seeks dedicated, creative and passionate individuals that want an impactful role within the tech sector.
IBM has a very good reputation as an employer in terms of career opportunities and progression, training and development, salary and company culture.
On Glassdoor, IBM has a score of 3.84/5 for culture and values and 3.89/5 for work life balance. 75% of employees would recommend working at IBM to a friend.
At your interview, the IBM recruitment team will ask questions to explore whether your skills and competencies match those sought for the role. They’ll also gauge whether you’ll be a good fit for the culture of IBM.
Interviews can be daunting, but preparation – involving practising the formation of concise, evidence-based responses – will increase your chances of impressing the interviewer(s).
IBM pays its employees a competitive salary, along with benefits including health care, a 401k plan, income protection and an annual leave allowance.
Yes, interns at IBM receive a competitive salary and also a relocation stipend (if required).
IBM internships are competitive, as prospective interns compete with students across the top university campuses.
Start preparing for the intern hiring process early, tailoring your resume for IBM and your chosen business area, completing practice assessments online and increasing your confidence with answering interview questions.
The length of the application process at IBM depends upon the role, business unit and location you have applied for and the volume of applications received for the role.
The recruitment team reviews applications as quickly as possible and will be in touch regarding your application as soon as they can.
For university recruitment, IBM begins having a presence on campus from September, encouraging applications to their internship and graduate roles.
The process (in this instance) is lengthy, with positions being confirmed mid-to-late summer.
In the final stage of the recruitment process you’ll complete two interviews, a technical interview and a HR interview.
The first, technical interview will focus on your skills and abilities – for example, if you are applying for a software development role, you will be asked questions to evaluate your coding and product development knowledge and may be asked to complete a short additional exercise.
The HR interview will be a behavioural interview and focus upon whether you are a good fit for the team, department and company culture.
Yes, IBM offers opportunities for remote work.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, IBM had 95% of their global workforce working remotely (across 175 countries). They also honoured intern placements by fulfilling these remotely.
As remote working is set to play a significant role in the future of work, IBM is ready to embrace this.
All applications are managed through IBM’s online application portal. IBM encourages applicants with questions during the first stage of the process to reach out to them via their social media accounts.
Once you are progressing in the process, you’ll be given the contact details of a recruiter who will be able to assist you.
Final Thoughts
IBM is a respected employer offering challenging and fulfilling careers with multiple benefits – in terms of remuneration and company culture.
The recruitment process is competitive but with targeted preparation you’ll be able to submit a strong application, pass the online assessments and impress at the interview stage.
A good knowledge of IBM and the business area you are applying for, as well as the responsibilities of your desired role, is vital.
Take the application process seriously, putting in the time to prepare yourself for each stage and you’ll vastly improve your chances of success.
Good luck in securing your role at IBM!
