About You
As a client-focused company, SFW seeks motivated, self-starting individuals with good interpersonal skills and who enjoy client contact.
Academic Background
Applicants are required to have a good second-class Honours degree, or higher, coupled with a working knowledge of a programming language and structured development techniques. A computing science degree is desirable, although not essential. SFW also welcomes applications from postgraduate students.
Working Environment
The majority of SFW's work is undertaken at its office in Woking, Surrey, which is situated close to the town centre and railway station. The atmosphere at SFW is informal and team oriented but with a strong professional culture reflecting our client-focused approach. SFW places great emphasis on providing individuals with the responsibility of managing a client and project from an early point in their career so that they have opportunity to develop individual client management, consultancy and technical skills.
The dress policy is smart-casual, although meetings with clients require smart dress. For those individuals who work on-site, dress code is dictated by the Client. Occasionally, you may be expected to travel in the UK or overseas for short periods and will be based on-site at our clients' own premises. Client premises are predominantly situated in London or the South East.
Read about the experiences of other SFW Employees:
James Julie Rakesh
Joining SFW
On joining, you will receive a short induction and meet your new colleagues. SFW has an induction programme for all new starters which provides an overview of SFW's products, services, technologies, target markets and clients, as well as the corporate standards and procedures that SFW follows. You will then be assigned to a suitable project and be supervised by a senior member of the team, usually a Project Manager. As you become more familiar with a project and develop further technical skills, you will be given more responsibility.
Accommodation
SFW realises that new employees, particularly those from outside the area, will need to find some form of accommodation. To make the process easier, SFW can provide bed and breakfast accommodation in Woking for a maximum of 3 weeks. This will allow you time to get to know the local and surrounding areas and find alternate accommodation.
Appraisals
SFW conducts appraisals for each employee at regular intervals throughout the year. In these sessions, performance objectives and personal development objectives are reviewed and set, ensuring that an appropriate and effective development strategy is in place for each individual. It is also an opportunity for employees and managers to have a detailed discussion about work, free from interruption, in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Training
SFW believes that training is fundamental to the success of both its staff and the business and, as learning is undoubtedly an ongoing process, training should occur throughout your entire career with SFW. If you have the desire to constantly improve your skills and knowledge, SFW will be pleased to support you.
Specifically, SFW offers a training programme for the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) qualification – an internationally recognised qualification, administered by Microsoft. For more details, go to the Microsoft Training and Certification homepage. Members of staff are also encouraged to attend training courses and conferences outside this qualification.
Benefits
SFW offers a basic salary of between £19.5K and £25K for graduates, dependent on skills and experience. Other benefits, for which you become eligible after six months, include a 'self selection' from the following list, up to a total value of 4% of salary:
SFW also provides a recruitment bonus of £500 (pro rata for a part-time new recruit). This bonus is payable to any member of staff who introduces a full-time or part-time employee. However, should the new recruit leave within 6 months of commencing employment, 50% of the bonus will be repayable to the company.
Social Events
SFW has a schedule of social events held throughout the year, which include: meals, theatre trips, quiz nights, beer festivals and go-carting.
SFW also holds regular company meetings which enable and encourage staff to understand the company's objectives and play an active role in its progression.