Getting a graduate job

Session aims: we will cover

• What are graduate schemes
• What is a graduate job
• Where can you find them
• Making effective applications

What are graduate schemes?


"Graduate schemes are training programmes that are usually run by large organisation in both the public and the private sector. Under these schemes companies take on a number of graduates in the autumn of their graduating year".

What is a graduate job?


"In many cases a job will be categorised as ’graduate’ if it is considered that the work requires a range of skills that you might expect to see exhibited by graduates".

Let's deal with some grad scheme myths

Number of grads in 2013 v grad vacs at top 100 grad recruiters 

AGR Survey Facts

• Overall decrease in the average number of apps per vacs
• From 85.3 in 2012-2013 to 69.2 in 2013-2014.
• 17% increase in UK grad vacancies in 2014
• A  2:1 degree remains the most common selection criteria used by AGR members
• The median graduate starting salary for 2013-2014 is predicted to be £27K

Achieving a graduate level job is more than just getting a good degree

High Flyers Report 2014: Top 100
"Over half the recruiters who took part in the research repeated their warnings
from previous years – that graduates who have had no previous work experience at all are unlikely to be successful during the selection process and have little or
no chance of receiving a job offer for their organisations’ graduate programmes".

How graduate vacancies at the UK’s top 100 employers are likely to be filled

Where can I find grad schemes?

• Graduate job portals
• e.g Milkround, Prospects, Gradplus
• Mainly large employers listed
• Some replication of vacancies
• Also listed on company websites

When to apply for the large graduate schemes

• Recruitment window for many schemes is Sept-Jan
• Jan-June (sifting, selection processes)
• However, some schemes are all year round
• This means you need to be ready by Sept

Entry to large graduate schemes

Where can you find grad jobs: SMEs

• Small medium enterprises 0-250 employees
• Make up the majority of grad roles available
• Hire all year round
• Will advertise locally
• Different recruitment & selection methods

UK business by size (FSB 2013)

Where to find SME vacancies: ideas

• Yell / UK business small directory
• @derbyunicareers #paystobeaderbyintern
• Start ups (i.e Evolve incubation hub)
• STEP Placements
• Develop & use your network

Preparation for getting a grad job

• Commercial Awareness (research + industry health check)
• Match your profile to the right organisations
• Be clear on entry requirements i.e 2:1, work exp
• Complete social media profiles to a professional standard
• Understand recruitment and selection procedures

recruitment practices: large schemes

• Recruit from their previous interns (37%)
• Use ATS (application tracking systems)
• Use video/phone interviews
• Use assessment centres and psychometric tests
• Lots of hurdles (just for one scheme)

Making effective applications

• Sounds obvious but quality over quantity approach
• Therefore be selective on schemes to apply for
• Allocate the necessary time (application window)
• Do your research & get applications checked
• Remember firms will look for you on social media

Getting a grad job: Hidden job market

• Applying for jobs that aren't advertised
• Works well with SMEs
• Speculative applications
• Develop your strategy
• Be prepared for rejection

"Great jobs don't go to great people. They go to great job searchers - those who know how to navigate the job market and make it work for them".

Mathison (2010) Unlock the Hidden Job Market

Getting a grad job: Internships

• What are they and why are they important
• Can last 1 week to one year
• Should be paid
• Can be used to try out sectors/roles
• Could be a plan B on graduation 

Conclusion

• More chance having a multi-targeted approach
• i.e SMEs, large schemes, hidden job market, internship
• Develop  a plan but be prepared to refine it
• Start taking action now.  Think about your competition
• Seek help and support

connect with us

• www.derby.ac.uk/careers
• Facebook: Derby Uni Careers Service
• Twitter: @derbyunicareers
• LinkedIn: University of Derby students and graduates
• Appointments made via Careerhub on our website