BT Job Vacancies

Searching for a Job with British Telecom

BT is a world leader in Telecoms and IT services. This major UK employer now operates in over 170 countries throughout the world with a heritage that extends back as far as 160 years.

With a UK customer base of over 21 million, BT employs a vast number of staff. In the UK alone, BT provides jobs for around 93,000 people and the total throughout the world increases to over 104,000. This is a profitable and successful employer, with the largest market share of any European Telecoms provider.

Formerly known as British Telecom, the company now operates as BT and in 2000 it was decided that the company should be split into four distinct business areas, which are presided over by BT Group PLC. If you are looking for a job vacancy with BT you should first gain an understanding of these four business areas and the roles within them:

BT Retail – As the name suggests, this is the retail arm of BT and the outlet for providing and delivering Internet and telephone services to both residential and business customers in the UK. To meet the demand, BT Retail employs approximately 18,000 staff in a variety of roles.

BT Wholesale – This business area is responsible for managing the communications network within the United Kingdom, providing network solutions to communications providers, mobile phone operators and ISPs.

BT Global Services – Literally making the world a smaller place, by enabling information and financial transactions flow seamlessly across the world.

Openreach – Opeanreach ensures that all service providers have fair and transparent access to the BT network through the BT exchanges.

When an employer like BT employs over 100,000 people you can expect there to be a wide range of job vacancies available at any one time. Jobs with BT are wide and varied and there are far too many to list here. However, if you read on you will get a good understanding of the types of jobs available within each of the areas listed above.

BT Retail – Typical Job Vacancy

Business Repair Advisor

As the title suggests, a Business Repair Advisor with BT is the first point of contact for any customer, both business and private, when their equipment or system fails. A repair advisor needs to be able to quickly diagnose the fault over the telephone and either solve the problem or refer it to a field engineer for repair. To apply for this type of job vacancy you should have an interest in technology and telecoms. On the job training is continuously provided so you are aware of the latest technologies. As this is a customer-facing role, each candidate should have a positive attitude, polite personality and be able to think quickly.

BT Wholesale – Typical Job Vacancy

BT Apprentice

BT offers a high number of apprenticeships, all designed to train and mentor candidates in order to make them a specialist in their field. A BT Apprentice in the wholesale area is generally trained in engineering and equipment such as the exchange equipment. An apprenticeship with BT is likely to be varied and you are also encouraged to study towards external qualifications, such as NVQ’s.

BT Global Services - Typical Job Vacancy

Billing Operations Manager

A Billings Operations Manager with BT is responsible for invoicing a wide range of products and services. Duties include the creation of financial and accounting reports and often the employee needs to submit bids and negotiate fees for new contracts.

Skills in negotiation are vital for this high level position. People skills are also vital as there is often a large team working beneath this manager.

BT Openreach – Typical Job Vacancy

Customer Service Engineer

Customer Service Engineers are responsible for the installation of telephone lines and equipment in homes and businesses throughout the UK. They are also expected to repair any faulty products. This role can be physically challenging, as you are on your feet all day, up poles and ladders and driving from location to location. Customer Service Engineers are continuously trained so they are up to date with the latest technologies. They are employed throughout the UK.

Searching for a Job Vacancy with BT

There are several ways you can search for your ideal job with BT…

The best starting point for your search is the Internet. The BT website allows you to search for particular vacancies in your ideal location. You can also use the hand “Job Search Agent” tool on this website, which matches you up for jobs based on your search criteria. It then emails you all the details.

You can also upload your CV directly on to the BT website. Make sure it is fully up to date and relevant before you upload it. Your CV will be viewed by a selection of recruiters who will then contact you if something becomes available.

There are a number of recruitment agencies that work with BT. You need to ensure they are on the BT preferred suppliers list before providing them with your details.

Remember to keep your eye on the local newspapers as BT often advertises local job vacancies in the classified job ads section.