2026/27 EMPLOYER GUIDES5 min read

How to Pass the BAE Systems Recruitment Process 2026/27

Are you applying for a BAE Systems graduate role or preparing for your upcoming BAE Systems job interview? This comprehensive guide is exactly what you need to navigate the recruitment process successfully.

Here are the key things we will be covering for you in this guide:

Prepare for the stages of the BAE Systems recruitment process with us by practising the relevant assessments you can expect at each stage!

In this guide, you will learn:

  1. About who BAE Systems is and its values and behaviours.
  2. How to complete the BAE Systems online application.
  3. How to pass the BAE Systems online assessments, with expert tips.
  4. How to pass the BAE Systems video interview.
  5. How to pass the BAE Systems assessment centre.
  6. The important details of BAE Systems’ early career opportunities you can apply for.

Want to pass each stage of the BAE Systems recruitment process?

Practice the relevant assessments for each stage of the BAE Systems process with us today!

Practice Game-based Assessments

Practice Game-based Assessments

Practice Numerical Reasoning Tests

Practice Numerical Reasoning Tests

Practice Situational Judgement Tests

Practice Situational Judgement Tests

Practice Verbal Reasoning Tests

Practice Verbal Reasoning Tests

Practice Video Interviews

Practice Video Interviews

Prepare for your Assessment Centre

Prepare for your Assessment Centre

Go Premium with GF and get all of the relevant BAE Systems practice assessments in the table above to ace your assessments, first time!

Before we break down the BAE Systems recruitment process, let’s learn more about the organisation itself.

1. Who is BAE Systems?

BAE Systems is a British multinational defence, security and aerospace company headquartered in London. It was founded on 30 November 1999 by merging British Aerospace (BAe) and Marconi Electronic Systems (MES).

BAE Systems employs more than 110,000 people across over 40 countries globally, and more than 35,000 of those employees work across over 50 sites in the UK alone. BAE Systems operates in over 40 countries, creating many job roles by location.

What job roles are available at BAE Systems?

Prospective employees can work in the following sectors: Air, Land, Digital Intelligence, Electronic Systems, Head Office, Maritime Services, Naval Ships, Shared Services, Space, Submarines, and Weapon Systems.

With BAE Systems primarily located in the United Kingdom, there are several job categories available if you are looking to apply. These include:

Business DevelopmentCommercialConsulting
EngineeringFinanceHuman Resources
Information TechnologyLegalMarketing and Communications
ProcurementSupply ChainProject Management
Quality and AssuranceSafety, Health, and EnvironmentSecurity
TradesManufacturingOperations

Understanding BAE Systems’ values and behaviours is crucial for successfully applying to the roles above. Let’s take a look at these next.

What are the BAE Systems core values?

Researching BAE Systems’ values before applying is essential to determine if they align with your principles. The company’s values are:

To be trusted:

Being committed and giving our best every day, doing what we say we will, and doing the right thing.

To be innovative:

Being curious and seeking out new ways to make things better, learning constantly from successes and failures, and turning ideas into actions.

To be bold:

Being courageous, speaking up and stepping forward, seizing opportunities, and realising big ambitions.

After learning about the values, you may wonder about BAE Systems’ behaviours. Keep reading to find out.

What are BAE Systems’ Behaviours?

BAE Systems’ behaviours include the following:

Creativity:

Balance imagination and information to develop solutions.

Develop people:

Create an inclusive workplace where individuals thrive and give their best.

Collaboration:

Drive high standards of performance through cooperation and teamwork.

Inspiration:

Inspire others to be their best.

Strategic vision:

Anticipate and plan for the future business landscape.

Adaptability:

Respond to change with positive action.

Integrity:

Demonstrate commitment to the BAE Systems values.

Courage:

Take appropriate risk and lead with humility.

Now that you know more about BAE Systems, let’s move on to the recruitment process, starting with an overview of the stages involved.

2. BAE Systems Recruitment Process

What is the BAE Systems recruitment process?

The BAE Systems recruitment process typically consists of the following stages:

  1. Online Application
  2. Online Assessments
  3. Video Interview
  4. Assessment Centre

Prepare for the BAE Systems assessment tests by practising with our expertly designed practice tests.

BAE Systems recruitment process practice
BAE Systems recruitment process mobile practice

Now that you have the basics, it is time to begin the BAE Systems online application and proceed with the BAE Systems assessment tests.

3. BAE Systems Online Application

How do you apply to BAE Systems?

The BAE Systems online application is the first step in the recruitment process. You submit your details, academic background and work experience, and answer role-specific questions through the company’s online portal.

Find below an image of the BAE Systems application form.

BAE Systems application form

BAE Systems Application Form

Source: BAE Systems Careers

Looking for helpful tips to guide you through the application and into the BAE Systems online assessments? Here are 5 to get you started.

5 Tips to Pass the BAE Systems Online Application

  1. Tailor your application: customise your answers and CV to align with the specific role and highlight relevant experience and skills.
  2. Research the company: demonstrate knowledge of BAE Systems’ values, behaviours, mission and recent projects to show genuine interest.
  3. Use the STAR+R method: when answering competency questions, structure responses using STAR+R to convey your achievements clearly.
  4. Proofread carefully: check for grammar and spelling errors before submitting to ensure a polished application.
  5. Showcase soft skills: highlight qualities like teamwork, communication and problem-solving that align with BAE Systems’ core values.

For more tips on applying to BAE Systems, watch our short video below.

Once your online application is accepted, you’ll be invited to complete the BAE Systems online assessments. Let’s look at what these involve.

4. BAE Systems Online Assessments

What are BAE Systems’ online assessment tests?

The BAE Systems online assessments evaluate your cognitive abilities, technical skills and behavioural traits, helping the company assess whether you’d be a good fit for the role. These may include:

  1. Gamified Assessment Test
  2. Numerical Reasoning Test
  3. Situational Judgement Test
  4. Verbal Reasoning Test

For some engineering and technical roles, a logical reasoning test or deductive reasoning test may be part of the process.

Good to Know: BAE Systems may use more than one assessment platform. HireVue is common for gamified tests and video interviews, while SHL has also been reported for numerical and verbal reasoning tests.

Let’s discuss each of these assessments in detail, starting with the BAE Systems gamified assessment test.

5. BAE Systems Recruitment FAQs

1What does ‘BAE’ stand for?

‘BAE’ stands for British Aerospace Engineering. The company was originally formed as British Aerospace (BAe) after several British aircraft and defence manufacturers merged.

2long does the BAE Systems recruitment process take?

The BAE Systems recruitment process duration varies depending on the role, location and specific business unit, taking anywhere from 2 weeks to 4 months to complete.

3What is a BAE Systems screening call?

A BAE Systems screening call is a short preliminary interview held by phone or video to evaluate whether your qualifications, skills and experience match the role’s needs.

4What does BAE Systems look for in employees?

BAE Systems looks for employees who reflect its core values of trust, innovation and boldness. The company also strongly values collaboration, teamwork and a dedication to excellence.

5Are BAE Systems’ placement programmes different from its internships?

Yes, placements last a year and give undergraduates in-depth industry experience, while summer internships run for 12 weeks and offer hands-on work in a specific business area.

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This article was last updated on 21 September 2026. All information is accurate to the best of our knowledge at publication, based on publicly available sources. For the latest details, please verify directly with BAE Systems.

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