Being the best and brightest isn’t always what companies are looking for in those who apply for graduate programs.

Although having the academic qualifications is right up there on the list of must-haves, companies are increasingly looking for graduates who have the right attitude, willingness to learn and personality.

ThoughtWorks, an international IT company specialising in global software development and delivery, takes about 120 graduates from around the world into its program each year. While most graduate programs recruit only once a year, ThoughtWorks has four intakes every 12 months.

"ThoughtWorks is not your typical company, and neither is our graduate recruitment process," says Darren Cotterill, recruitment manager of ThoughtWorks Australia.

"Our focus has always been on talent over experience, but we also like to make sure that new ThoughtWorkers can embrace our values and can ‘culturally’ fit into the company."

To that end, Cotterill says the recruitment process is rigorous and probably different from many other companies. "Our application process is very non-traditional. We not only test skill; we want to see passion, enthusiasm, innovation and the ability to communicate.

We want to be challenged by our graduates. On our graduate day, candidates will engage with ThoughtWorkers from across the business, and the decision to hire is based on the collective whole rather than the opinion of one or two. The advice we would give for the day is ‘Be prepared for anything’."

Toyota Technical takes only about 20 graduates in automotive engineering each year, but has up to 300 people vying for those positions.

Max Gillard, Toyota Technical vice-president and executive director, says the company usually starts advertising for graduates around May and uses an independent personnel company to sift through initial applications.

"They provide us with the top two or three applicants for each of the 20 positions and know clearly the values of what we are looking for, to make sure the people will match our culture," Gillard says.

Applicants not only submit résumés and references, but they also undergo psychological analysis.

"If we like the look of those recommended we then conduct our own interviews with human resource and technical staff," Gillard says.

Final interviews for those 20 positions are usually conducted around July and offers are made in August. "It’s a good idea for graduates to do their homework before they apply to any program, and only apply to those that have the jobs they are interested in," Gillard says.

"Since graduates usually have no technical experience, what we are looking for are those that show us they have a willingness to learn.

"For example, in the presentations they make to us, we like to see they can demonstrate that passion by showing us something they may have done, like hotting up their own car. The interview should not be just about talking.

"Before they even start applying for graduate positions, they should also really decide what kind of company they want to work for –small or large, one that does business only in Australia or one that has a global network."

In terms of international business, audit and tax advisory service companies, KPMG is probably one of the world’s largest.

Last year more than 8000 hopefuls applied for one of the 500 positions in the KPMG graduate recruitment program.

With so many applicants, it is essential to make a good first impression, says KPMG graduate recruitment manager Claire Strik.

"Applicants should ensure they submit a quality application. While you would think all graduates would submit an application without grammatical and spelling errors, this is often not the case," Strik says.

"Check it thoroughly before sending and include all the information the application form asks for. Read our website and talk to our people at careers fairs to understand why you think KPMG would be a good place to work and ensure this comes across in your application."

Strik says the whole process takes about six weeks from the time applications close to when positions are offered. The closing date for applications can vary depending on which state and city you apply from, but are generally around March and April of each year.

"Candidates submit an online application. If they are successful they will be invited to the first-round interview process, where they will interview with a manager or senior manager in the group they have expressed an interest in," she says.

"If they move through to the next round they will come in for an interview with a partner from the group they have expressed an interest in, and also participate in other activities, such as a group and written assessment."

Even if graduates don’t make it through, Strik says the process is invaluable in terms of experience. "All practice at interviewing is beneficial, as each interview you go to makes the next one easier to be prepared for."