Placement Scheme
2017-2018
03 ProspectSoft Placement Scheme
04 ProspectSoft Placement Scheme
05 Sales and Marketing
06 Sales and Marketing
07 Technical
08 Technical
09 How to apply
10 Awards
11 Awards
12 Useful Links
CONTENTS
About Us
ProspectSoft is a British business delivering software to thousands of users across the UK and
worldwide. Our suite of CRM, eCommerce and eMarketing solutions are well suited to small to
medium-sized enterprises operating in the business to business sector. Each solution is developed
and supported in house and helps to drive the business of many leading UK SMEs through
unparalleled integration to six leading accounting systems.
The business was founded in 2000 and is owned by the current management team. The company’s
Head Office is in Stokenchurch, near High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, from where ProspectSoft
creates, develops and sells its software services to more than 5,000 SME users across the UK, as
well as distributing packages in Ireland, New Zealand and South Africa.
The Scheme
ProspectSoft has been repeatedly recognised as a leading employer. We know that any business is only as good as its
people, which is why we employ the very best placement students so our clients receive the very best service. Each year
we invest heavily in recruiting, training and developing our placements. As a result 51% of our current employees did a
placement year at ProspectSoft. Our scheme has been recognised on a national scale - we are proud to announce that in
2016 we were named one of the Top 5 Small to Medium-sized Employers at RateMyPlacement’s NUE Awards; this is an
award we have also won an incredible 4 times. We have also won awards from the National Council of Work Experience
and appeared in newspapers such as The Times and The Guardian promoting placement schemes.
Our placements are integral members of the team, as not only is it about us winning the awards. Some of our placements
have won and been finalists in the ‘Best Student Contribution to an SME’ Award at the NUE Awards. Our current
Marketing Team Leader, Jess Heald, won “Impact on an Organisation” at the Inspirational Student Awards for her
placement year at ProspectSoft in 2015. The awards speak for themselves, but there are many other reasons why you
should choose to do a placement with us, including high levels of responsibility, flexibility within roles and departments,
and comprehensive training.
Right from the beginning, our senior staff have put a huge amount of effort into the scheme, from designing interviews
and assessment days, to mentoring and training throughout the year. Our Directors always reinforce how important the
placement scheme is, and therefore continue to review and refine it each year. They’ve even been approached by other
companies for advice on how to run placement schemes.
PROSPECTSOFT PLACEMENT SCHEME
Benefits of the scheme to us
Brings an enthusiastic, fresh approach to our company
Helps us develop new ideas and skills
Creates a young and innovative atmosphere
Opportunities for long-term employment
Requirements and Key Information
UCAS Points: 280
Predicted Grade: 2:1
Location: Stokenchurch, Buckinghamshire
Salary: £16,900 (13 months)
Training: 4 week intensive programme & ongoing courses
Applications: Now open
Application Deadline: 12/01/17
“My placement year at ProspectSoft
definitely exceeded my expectations - it was
great to learn such a variety of skills which were
invaluable to my final year at University. As a
Marketing Assistant and Event Co-Ordinator, I
led several projects during my year which had a
direct impact on the business including creating
a brand new website dedicated to our
placement scheme and running our event held
at Silverstone. Being asked to come back to
ProspectSoft after University was fantastic, and I
am now pursuing my career in Marketing in a
forward-thinking company with friendly,
supportive and ambitious team members.”
“I’ve had so many opportunities during my
placement year at ProspectSoft, from assisting
customers with their email marketing efforts to
running training sessions at customers’ offices. I
am still surprised by the amount of responsibility
I was given during my placement year! I really
have gained some incredibly valuable skills, that
I will take forward with me to University and my
future career. The team at ProspectSoft has truly
made this an unforgettable experience.”
Jess Heald - Returning Placement
Now Marketing Team Leader
Isobel Honour
Sales and Account Management Assistant
TESTIMONIALS Benefits of the scheme to you
Build on awareness of B2B markets
Work independently and as a team
Demonstration and presentation skills
Opportunity to develop your technical knowledge
Get involved with other departments
Opportunities for further personal development, tailoring your
year in line with your career development, interests and skills
Familiarisation Day for the successful new placements to enable
them to get to grips with their new environment, ask questions
and meet their new colleagues
Taking responsibility for tasks that make a real difference to the
business whilst working closely with managers and directors on
a range of projects, even getting the chance to lead projects
4-week training programme
Opportunity to gain vital communication skills in various forms
to use in different situations, including developing phone
etiquette and networking skills
Marketing Assistant
As a Marketing Assistant, you will be responsible for a variety of projects, mainly the execution of direct and digital
marketing communications. Reporting to our Marketing Team Leader, you will be responsible for the implementation of
eMail Marketing campaigns, social media activities, website content and the creation of promotional material. As a
Marketing Assistant you will be critical to the organisation, and will take a lead role in the running of our regional events
at prestigious venues such as Silverstone Circuit and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Not only that, but you will be vital
when considering our social media presence, as you will be managing all of ProspectSoft’s social media platforms, and
through the creation of social media reports you will see your direct impact on the business.
In addition to this, as an assistant in this role you will have the opportunity to provide social media advice to customers
and be responsible for executing social media campaigns throughout the year. You will also be able to show your creative
side when completing tasks such as blog writing, creating infographics, holding customer web clinics, photography/video
content for our corporate and placement sites, and much more. As an essential member of the team you will develop a
strong understanding of B2B marketing through the continued drive of marketing driven strategies at ProspectSoft.
SALES AND MARKETING Sales & Account Management Assistant
At ProspectSoft we have two different sales placement opportunities in
both our New Business Sales team and our Account Management team.
Both roles include direct communication with potential and existing
clients, and you will be responsible for developing opportunities, assessing
business requirements, building quotes and confirming order - all stages
of B2B software sale. There will also be the opportunity to meet with
clients directly and the chance to manage our web analytic product where
you will demonstrate the software’s functionality to potential customers
during a sale.
In our New Business team, the Sales Assistants will be key points of
contact in the Sales department. Reporting to the Sales Director, you will
assist our sales consultants through liaising with key partners and
potential clients. There will also be the opportunity to meet with clients
and the chance to manage customers’ Free Trials of Prospect 365.
In the Account Management team, with over 400 customers, the Account
Management Assistants are always kept on their toes. You must be
prepared to be thrown in at the deep end, be able to forge relationships
with customers and team members, as well as being able to manage your
own time effectively. Your role will include everything from sales, lead
generation, demonstrations, meeting with clients and much more.
“I have developed so much as a person during
my time at ProspectSoft, and now feel more
confident going back to University and starting
my career in the technological industry. I’ve
enhanced my employability skills in a fun,
enjoyable environment.”
Cameron Heckstall-Smith
Assistant Support Consultant
Jordan Edmunds
Account Management Assistant
“Throughout my year at ProspectSoft I was given
the freedom to develop a whole host of skills in
a range of different areas. For those students
who are unsure about a placement - this is the
perfect platform to experience working across a
range of business activities, getting real world
experience in the process. I never thought I
would be given such important responsibilities
over my placement year, and I can honestly say I
couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”
“My year at ProspectSoft has been a lot of fun! I’ve
enjoyed my role working in a small passionate
team with other developers and designers.
Working with customers on live projects has given
me more confidence in myself, and the ability to
learn and improve my skills. These things I’ll be
able to use to succeed in the future.”
Laura Varney
Assistant Solutions Developer
TESTIMONIALS
Technical Support Assistant
In this role placements will become used to supporting and delivering complex software solutions in a professional
environment and working with other professionals within a project team. Dependent on experience, there is also an
opportunity to get involved with technologies such as .NET framework, SQL, ActiveX/COM and web technologies
including HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
Any experience with the above technologies and with agile development processes will be advantageous although not
essential. Successful applicants can expect to gain a great deal of experience working and building relationships with
customers on systems analysis, software development, web and mobile application development, databases, writing SQL
statements and procedures to populate and manipulate data within them. Placement students will also gain experience
with some of the industry’s latest and most powerful technologies such as Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Windows Server
2012 R2, Microsoft Windows (including Windows 8 & 10), Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft Hyper-V, TeamViewer, iPhone/
Android apps, ProspectSoft CRM, ProspectSoft eCommerce and many more.
The job also includes the opportunity to engage directly with customers to help with software installation,
implementation and training. As well as all that, you will get involved in setting up testing and demonstration
environments and assisting with the specification and designs of custom software configurations.
Assistant Front-End Web Developer Role
As a Front-End Web Developer at ProspectSoft, you will be part of a close-knit, dynamic team. You will work closely
alongside designers, developers and account managers to deliver great looking and functional, responsive websites.
Working with our designers, you will discover more about who our clients are and what they represent - your job is to
then turn that into a reality. This role is therefore all about collaboration.
You will need to have good verbal and written communication skills to be able to understand the exact customer
requirements to ensure solutions meet proposals. Using agile practices to create solutions that far exceed expectations,
you will develop high quality, testable and performant eCommerce sites. For this role, you will have the chance to use
technologies such as HTML5, CSS, JavaScript/jQuery, LESS and bootstrap. In a small business every role is vital and at
ProspectSoft we like to embrace new ideas and input them throughout departments and across the company. Therefore,
the ideal candidate would be enthusiastic and passionate with plenty of creative ideas.
TECHNICAL Assistant Solutions Developer
As an Assistant Solutions Developer, the year will be highly software
development focused and will involve the use of technologies such as
the .NET framework, ActiveX/COM and web technologies including HTML,
CSS and JavaScript. Any experience with the above technologies, SQL or
Sybase/Oracle databases will be advantageous although not essential.
Students can expect to leave their placement having had real life
experience of the entire development lifecycle.
Successful applicants can expect to gain a great deal of experience
working and building relationships with customers on systems analysis,
software development, databases, writing SQL statements and
procedures to populate and manipulate data within them. Similar to the
Technical Support Assistant Role, placement students will also gain
experience with some of the industry’s latest and most powerful
technologies such as Microsoft Windows Servers, Microsoft Windows
(including Windows 8), Microsoft Office 2013, Microsoft Office 365,
Microsoft Virtual PC, Microsoft Exchange, Citrix Go-to-assist, ProspectSoft
CRM, ProspectSoft eCommerce and many more.
You will be working closely with our Head of Development, playing a key
role in ensuring the success of the latest releases of ProspectSoft CRM
and Web Solutions. Other placement activities often include full
development projects, setting up testing and demonstration
environments, and assisting with the specification and design of bespoke
software developments for customers. On commencing your placement,
you will receive six weeks of training in all aspects of our product stack
and our development methodologies.
“Working at ProspectSoft has given me an
amazing opportunity to develop both my
technical and personal skills. I have been able to
work on a variety of projects in different
technical areas. The people at ProspectSoft have
been great to work alongside and are the main
reason I have been able to gain so much from
my placement year.”
Stuart Reeve
Assistant Solutions Developer
Lauren Hines
Marketing Assistant & Events Co-Ordinator
“My placement year at ProspectSoft has truly
been an unforgettable experience. The team
have always provided me with every opportunity
to thrive, from the huge responsibility I’ve been
given to the immense amount of support I’ve
received along the way.”
“Through working at ProspectSoft I’ve
developed skills that a degree doesn’t teach you,
skills that will be invaluable when looking for a
job after University. It has also given me a
focused mind set for my final year. I’m glad I
chose to work at an SME as opposed to a large
organisation, as I felt just as valuable as a long-
term employee. Not only this, but it was also an
enjoyable environment to work in.”
Nikhil Vedi
Technical Support Assistant
TESTIMONIALS
HOW TO APPLY
Step 1 - Registration and Application
Register at placements.prospectsoft.com/register to create an account on our portal, choose
the role you’d like to apply for, then upload your CV and Cover Letter.
If applying for a Technical role, shortly after you’ve uploaded your CV and Cover Letter you’ll
receive a short technical test via email. Please complete this as soon as possible so we can
review the rest of your application.
Applications for all roles are now open
Step 2 - Telephone Interview
The second stage of the process is a telephone interview which typically lasts around 20-30
minutes.
This interview is designed to be a chance to get to know you and understand why you’d be
suited to the role.
Step 3 - Assessment Centre
The third stage of recruitment is the Assessment Centre, an opportunity to meet you in person!
For the Sales and Marketing placements, the first half of the day includes group activities and
team building exercises, as well as an individual 5-10 minute presentation on a topic of your
choice.
For the Technical placements, the day will consist of coding tests and members of the senior
management team will speak about the company and roles.
The day concludes with interviews with the members of the senior management team.
Step 4 - Familiarisation Day
If you secure a placement with us here at ProspectSoft, you’ll be invited to our Familiarisation
Day, which is an excellent opportunity to get to know your fellow colleagues you’ll be working
with during your placement year.
The day involves a tour of the office, meeting other colleagues, presentations and lunch!
2010 2009 2003
Top Small to Medium-sized
Enterprise
Winner
AWARDS - PROSPECTSOFT
Top Small to Medium-sized
Undergraduate Employer
Winner
RateMyPlacement Best SME
Winner
Top Small to Medium-sized
Enterprise
Finalist
Top Small to Medium-sized
Undergraduate Employer
Finalist
Top Small to Medium-sized
Undergraduate Employer
Finalist
Best Work Experience Providers
Winner
Top Small to Medium-sized
Undergraduate Employer
Winner
2016 2015 2014
2013 2012 2011
Best Work Experience Providers
Winner
This was the year our
placement scheme started.
Since then, the placement
scheme has become an
integral part of ProspectSoft’s
philosophy and recruitment
drive.
NOTES
AWARDS - PLACEMENTS
2016 2015 2014
2011
Best Student Contribution to
an SME
Victoria Dyke - Winner
Best Student Contribution to
an SME
Rachel Pitman - Finalist
Inspirational Student Award for
Impact on an Organisation
Jess Heald - Winner
Best Student Contribution to
an SME
Francesca Firth - Finalist
Alice McLinden - Finalist
ProspectSoft Placement Site: placements.prospectsoft.com
ProspectSoft Placement Blogs: blog.prospectsoft.com/blog/category/placements
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProspectSoft
Placement Twitter: www.twitter.com/PS_Placements
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/prospectsoft
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ps_placements
RateMyPlacement: www.ratemyplacement.co.uk/company-profile/389/
prospectsoft
Dovetail House,
Wycombe Road,
Stokenchurch,
HP14 3RQ
01494 486301
USEFUL LINKS