Graduate Recruitment Opportunities at a Ten-Year High in the UK

2015 brings great news for graduates, according to recent research! The first students paying higher tuition fees are graduating in the most lucrative recruitment market for more than a decade. The attractive graduate job market in the UK in 2015 sees an increase in the number of jobs available. Not only that, many of the country’s top employers are also expecting to advertise higher salaries. Keep reading to find out more good news regarding graduate recruitment opportunities in 2015.

High Fliers Research, are an independent research firm specialising in the recruitment trends of students and graduates. They recently studied students graduating this year, who are the first paying higher rates of tuition fees. The study considered whether the higher costs of up to £9,000 per year, would result in higher salaries.

The Graduate Market in 2015 research analysed the vacancies for graduates and the starting salaries at Britain’s leading 100 employers.

Key Findings

During 2014 graduate salaries rose by 7.9% and in 2015 leading UK employers pledge to increase graduate opportunities by 8.1%.

The industries on target for the most significant growth in graduate recruitment are:

• Banking and finance
• Accounting and professional services
• Retail
• Public sector
• he Armed Forces.

The study also found that for the first time, university-leavers’ salaries will reach an average of £35,000.

Greg Clark offered his thoughts about growing confidence within the British economy and the graduate jobs market.

“Confidence in the economy continues to grow. Reflected in the fact that Britain’s top companies will recruit more graduates this year than they have for a decade… This report will be warmly welcomed by the record number of students who starting university this year. It highlights how a degree remains one of the best routes into a rewarding career,”

Greg Clark – Minister for Universities, Science and Cities

Advice for Graduates in Search of Employment:

Planning and preparation 

It doesn’t matter if you are graduating from university, or are a graduate looking for work. The key to landing your dream job is planning and preparation.

Making contacts

It’s never too early to start making contacts that could prove invaluable in your job hunt. Circulating your CV to top companies within your desired industry often prompts employers to add your details to their database. Even if your application is unsuccessful this time around, the employer may contact you if anything suitable becomes available. Not only this, but often, someone from the company will reply to you, thanking you for your interest. In doing so, you gain a company contact which may prove invaluable in the future.

Consider Internships

As the High Fliers’ Study states, two-thirds of the UK’s leading graduate recruiters are now offering paid internships. Furthermore, half the employers’ who participated in the study said they make industrial placements available as part of degree courses.

Internships can be a great way of earning vital work experience and to ‘get a foot in the door‘. It, therefore, might be beneficial to consider an internship as part of your graduate recruitment planning.

Make Contact with a Recruitment Agency

Many recruitment agencies post-graduate vacancies on behalf of employers. Contact an agency and make them aware that you are available and looking for work. This way, they can add you to their database and alert you of potential jobs matches the moment they become available. Being ahead of the competition will give you an advantage in finding your perfect graduate job.

Our consultants are committed to helping graduates find the right career path. If you are a graduate or are graduating, our friendly and expert team of recruiters would be happy to discuss your future career plans. It’s worth noting that our expert services are completely free for job hunters.