FAQs about IfG recruitment

How often does the IfG recruit? 

Apart from our internship programme, which recruits annually at the same time (early spring) each year, there is no set timetable or frequency for recruitment at the IfG. On average, we recruit for positions on our research team a couple of times a year, and a little less frequently for communications, partnerships and operations roles.  

Does the IfG sponsor visas for employees? 

Unless explicitly stated otherwise in the recruitment materials for a specific role, we do not sponsor visas for new starters. In order to be able to work at the IfG, applicants must be a UK citizen, or otherwise entitled to work in the UK without a visa, or hold a relevant visa which allows them to work in the UK without sponsorship. 

Can roles at the IfG be undertaken remotely? 

Full-time staff are typically expected to work from the Institute’s offices in London for at least three days a week, including Mondays, with the option to work remotely for up to two days a week. Expectations may be different for part-time staff or staff with flexible working arrangements.  

Where does the IfG advertise vacancies? 

All vacancies are advertised on our website, and via our Twitter and LinkedIn feeds. Most openings will feature at least once in our weekly newsletter too. Depending on the role, we also advertise on work4mp.com, smarthinking.org.uk, charityjob.co.uk and jobs.ac.uk. For positions where we are considering candidates at the very beginning of their careers (such as for our internship programme), we advertise on university careers service websites as well.  

Some organisations close applications before the advertised deadline if they receive enough applications before that. Does the Institute ever do this? 

In most cases, applications will remain open until the date and time specified in the job advert. When there is a chance that we might close applications before the advertised deadline if a sufficient number are submitted before then (for instance, if we are trying to fill a role very urgently), this will be clearly stated on the relevant vacancy page, and in the job application pack for that position. And as a general rule, we encourage applicants not to leave submitting their application until the very last minute, in case any technical problems arise that need to be resolved.

Does the IfG accept speculative applications? 

No. We will only consider applications made for a specific advertised vacancy that are submitted via our online application platform.  

What is the application process for vacancies at the IfG? 

We use an online application platform called BeApplied for almost all vacancies. This system is designed to help us assess candidates’ aptitude for our work, eliminate bias and be as fair as possible. By using BeApplied, applications are anonymised up to shortlisting. 

Our applications usually involve some or all of the following three elements: 

• a timed multiple-choice test, assessing verbal reasoning, numeracy and data interpretation skills

• a selection of short written questions relating to motivation and aptitudes – these are not timed, and candidates can save their responses and return to edit them as often as they like prior to the deadline

• an up-to-date copy of your CV.  

The exact structure of the application process for specific roles are always detailed in the job application pack for that position, which can be found on the current vacancies page.  

Shortlisted candidates will typically be invited to an online interview. The strongest candidates will then be invited to a second interview, which is usually held in-person at IfG’s offices. Depending on the role, candidates may be asked to complete a task in advance of either the first or second interview.