employment 4 students - The UK's most visited student jobsite

Menu

Companies narrow their search for graduates

19 Sep 2007

Companies narrow their search for graduates Companies are keen to recruit graduates though are narrowing their criteria, according to the Graduate Recruitment Bureau (GRB).

GRB's co-founder, Dan Hawes, explains that many organisations value "office experience" in candidates, as this will give them a headstart in knowing the skills needed in that environment.

He added that businesses are not looking for a large number of candidates but for a high quality few. As a result, many require a 2:1 degree and certain stipulate specific A-level grades.

"We think, 'oh there are loads of graduates so it should be easy' but you have to find someone who's got exactly what you're looking for. That's the trick. What some companies are turning to is psychometric tests to get a level playing field," he said.

Businesses look for graduates in particular because they can often provide a fresh outlook on ideas and still want to learn.

According to information released by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the proportion of graduates in Britain has fallen from the third highest among other countries, to the tenth.

In a survey this year, the Association of Graduate Recruiters revealed that there may be a rise in graduate vacancies of 12.7 per cent.

Find and apply for graduate jobs through our Graduate Job Search facility, or broaden your horizons through the All Jobs Search

Find your perfect job now!

Register now to let employers find you and be notified about the latest relevant jobs