Finishing university can be a bag of mixed emotions. On the one hand you feel relieved that there’s no more studying, but now you have to start thinking about jobs. Getting a graduate job can feel overwhelming for many fresh graduates. so many graduates enter the job market every year, making competition fierce. But knowing how to find a graduate job by understanding how employers go about recruiting graduates can help! So we’ve listed the most popular ways employers recruit graduates, based on the percentage of employers who used this method. So when looking for a graduate job, you’ll know how to find one and where to turn.
1. Social media (95%)
The most popular promotion method used by employers is through social media platforms. These can include LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, which are popular channels generally – as well as for promoting graduate job vacancies. Employers use social media to reach a wider audience and attract potential candidates. As a graduate, you should follow companies you’re interested in on social media and engage with their content to show your interest in their business. You can also share your own content to showcase your skills and knowledge.
2. University careers services (94%)
When you’re thinking about how to find a graduate job, you can also try your university. Most universities have dedicated careers services that help students and graduates find job opportunities. These services usually provide job boards, career fairs, and other resources to help students and graduates connect with potential employers. Make sure you take advantage of these resources, attend career fairs and workshops, and build relationships with the careers service staff. It’s the second most popular method used by employers in attracting graduates.
3. Graduate recruitment websites (86%)
An alternative to university sites is graduate recruitment sites, which is the third most used promotion methods by employers. Many graduate recruitment websites like Graduateland, Prospects, and Milkround offer a wide range of graduate job opportunities. These websites are easy to use, and you can apply for jobs directly on the platform. You can set up job alerts to receive notifications when new job vacancies are advertised, which can help you stay ahead of the competition.
4. Email services (85%)
Some employers have email services that send out job alerts and other information about their graduate recruitment programs. You can sign up for these services to receive regular updates on job vacancies and application deadlines.
5. Online presentations or skills events (84%)
Many employers hold online presentations and skills events to showcase their business and offer tips on how to apply for their graduate job vacancies. These events are great opportunities to learn more about the company and connect with recruitment teams. Make sure you attend these events and ask questions to show your interest in the company.
6. Graduate careers directories (80%)
Graduate careers directories like Target Jobs and The Guardian Graduate Jobs are popular resources for graduates looking for job opportunities. Employers can advertise their graduate job vacancies in these directories to reach a wider audience.
7. On-campus presentations or skills events (75%)
Employers often hold on-campus presentations and skills events to connect with students and graduates. These events are a great opportunity to learn more about the company and build relationships with recruitment teams. Make sure you attendthese events and network with other attendees.
8. In-person careers fairs held on-campus (70%)
Careers fairs are popular events that bring together employers and students. These events provide an opportunity for you to meet recruiters face-to-face and learn more about job opportunities. Make sure you research the employers attending the careers fair beforehand and prepare your elevator pitch.
9. Virtual careers fairs run by commercial providers (62%)
Virtual careers fairs became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, and have remained an effective way of finding graduate jobs since. These events are similar to in-person careers fairs, but they are held online. Employers can connect with potential candidates using virtual booths and video conferencing tools.
10. Virtual careers fairs run by universities (60%)
Some universities also host virtual careers fairs to connect their students and graduates with potential employers. These events are usually free to attend, and you can connect with recruiters from the comfort of your home.
11. Sponsorship of societies, clubs & sports teams (58%)
Knowing how to find a graduate job can simply mean getting involved in uni activities like sports. Employers often sponsor societies, clubs, and sports teams to build relationships with students and graduates. Make sure you get involved with these groups and attend their events to build relationships with sponsors.
12. Campus brand managers or ambassadors (51%)
Some employers hire campus brand managers or ambassadors to promote their company and job opportunities on university campuses. These brand managers are usually current students or recent graduates who work part-time to promote the company to their peers. Make sure you connect with these brand managers and attend their events to learn more about the company.
Knowing how to get a graduate job is key to getting ahead after uni. It requires you to be proactive and use all the available resources to your advantage. By utilising the top graduate promotion methods used by employers, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job. Make sure you attend career fairs, engage with companies on social media, and connect with campus brand managers and ambassadors. With hard work and dedication, you’ll be able to secure a graduate job and start your career on the right foot. For more insight on graduate jobs, check out the best employers giving graduates opportunities.
Last Updated on December 10, 2023
Published on March 15, 2023
