Analytical Chemist, Counter Terrorism and Security at DSTL

The following is a Graduate Review for DSTL.

DSTL scores 3.3/5 based on 392 reviews.

All reviews are based exclusively on results of feedback from employees from DSTL. Employees are asked to rate DSTL on a wide range of work place topics, which is broken down through star ratings on the right hand side.

To find out how your Graduates can leave reviews of your company, please contact our Brand Manager Grant on 01825 725291.

What are the Best and Worst things about your job?

Best

The work-life balance is very good, and the direct management is done in a good way. My manager trusts me to do my job without being pressured, whilst making it clear that I can go to them for help when I need to. There are lots of development opportunities, and the work can be very varied. You are able to say what sort of things you want to be involved in.

Worst

I don't really have any negative points!

What is the annual salary for this role?

Starting salary: £29,000 - £31,000

Current salary: £29,000 - £31,000

What hours do you actually work, on average?

Start: 08:30

Finish: 16:30

What advice would you give to someone applying to this role?

The application process was quite short and straightforward, so make sure you answer the questions with good examples to back up the core values of Dstl. Do some research into Dstl using their website, as this will tell you what you need to know about the organisation.

Do you have any interview tips?

Be prepared with some examples of work you have done that relates to the role you're applying for. If you're applying for a practical science role, think about examples of planning experiments, how you've seen these plans through, and how you've dealt with deviations from these plans.
Also have some examples of "soft skills" like teamwork, organisation and time-management, as at Dstl you are typically managing your own time, so it is important to show that you are able to do this.
It is ok to use examples that are nothing to do with science, such as working in a shop, or things you've done in clubs, since as a graduate you won't be expected to have worked full time in a role like this yet.