The Times Newspaper has reported that a record 83 graduates are now chasing every job, according to a survey of more than 200 leading employers. Vacancies are up 2.6 per cent on 2009-2010 figures, but applicant numbers have leapt by 21.5 per cent. The survey also revealed that investment banking was the most popular profession, with more than 230 candidates battling for one vacancy spot.
This increased competition means that graduates need to work harder to stand out from the crowd, enhancing their CVs with as much work experience and relevant extra-curricular activities as possible. A strong, outstanding CV now matters more than ever, thus graduates should be urged to do as much as possible to set them apart from their competition.
Remember, university students, to get involved with as much as possible that could make you seem interesting and unique to potential employers. If you want to be a journalist, write, edit and publish your university publications, if you are looking to become an engineer, apply for work experience with an impressive firm. Many companies have recently introduced legislation to avoid nepotism, and encourage work experience to be fairer and based more on ability than connections, thus work experience should be available to anyone dedicated and committed enough.
Therefore, although these figures can seem extremely daunting, graduates must remember to focus on how they can make themselves stand out, and not let high applicant numbers put them off applying for jobs.
Kate, GRB Journalist
