Jobs

Graduate Schemes

Looking for jobs? Graduate Recruitment Schemes

What they are

Many large national and international and increasingly many medium sized employers offer training schemes. Graduates are recruited into various areas, including general management, human resources, finance and marketing. Types of companies offering these schemes range from charities, advertising, civil service and retail to consultancy, IT, insurance and local government. 

Training usually lasts for twelve, eighteen, twenty-four or thirty-six months, depending on business/functions and can include completing professional courses for recognised qualifications within that field. Graduates can then apply for permanent employment within the company on completion of the training. Some would require you to be geographically mobile, but others recruit and train locally.

Where to find graduate scheme recruiters:

Have a look at our jobs database for details about graduate recruiters. 

Search for vacancies on-line at the following websites:

In addition, see our "Where to Look for Graduate Level Jobs" webpage for more links to graduate jobs and training schemes

The following directories and publications are available free from careers:

  • GET (Hobsons) Directory
  • Prospects Directory
  • Target jobs
  • Prospects Finalist (latest jobs and career information for final year students)
  • Graduate - Prospects digital magazine for 3rd/final year students

How and when to apply

Closing dates can be as early as October (particularly advertising agencies) with the selection process beginning early in the new year, although some companies do recruit all year round. It is essential to apply early and not leave it until Spring; the application and selection process is a lengthy one, taking up to 6 months in some cases.  Procedures vary but as a guide you could expect the following (not necessarily in order):

  • Submit application/CV etc
  • Telephone interview
  • Invitation to sit a test - verbal/numeracy/psychometric (many applicants are screened out at this stage - it's important to practice so you know what to expect)
  • Assessment Centre: A day or two-day assessment for all candidates that can include giving a presentation, in-tray exercises, business games; psychometric test and more
  • Individual interviews

Tip: Companies are looking for candidates who have a real and genuine passion to work for their company so you will need to demonstrate this in your application. They also stress that application forms must be fully completed with use of proper language (no slang) and with perfect spelling.

Company websites provide information about graduate schemes, other graduate roles etc and include details of their application and selection processes from September onwards, and most companies now recruit on-line. Some require an initial contact by telephone which can take the form of a mini interview.

The selection process

The application process can be daunting, with selection panels, assessment days, psychometric tests and presentations, but the rewards are high and you benefit from training whilst you are earning.

Look at the applications and interviews section of this website for advice on presentations and psychometric tests.

The careers service also has a range of books and resources to help you. Especially useful is Agcas "At the Assessment Centre" dvd.

Recruitment Fairs

These events are an excellent way of promoting yourself and making contact directly with potential employers. Dress casual-smart, have multiple copies of your CV and take the opportunity to make an impression.

Most universities host their own careers fairs where all students are welcome. National fairs are also held, usually in London and Manchester, and more specialist events are held annually in various locations, eg public relations, media, social care sectors. Students/graduates from all universities can usually attend summer graduate fairs , but you should check this in advance.

For details of recruitment fairs look at Prospects website where you will find a dedicated section on Careers Fairs.

The Fair Game - Making the Most of Careers Fairs

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