No one can deny that it is tough going for graduates fresh out of university in 2010. The jobs market is fragile to say the least and there are record numbers of applicants chasing each vacancy. So, what do Class of 2010 regard as their biggest weakness when it comes to securing that all important first job after graduation?
The overwhelming weakness as identified by 46% of those participating in the latest poll from specialist graduate recruitment consultancy GRB, is a lack of work experience. This ties in very much with research findings among employers which consistently identifies work experience as providing candidates with an edge in the competition for graduate openings.
Commenting on the findings, Dan Hawes, GRB co-founder, observed, "Today's graduates believe they face a classic Catch 22 situation ???? they worry that they don't have sufficient work experience to land that all important first post but until they get into a job they can't gain the experience. The message for future generations of graduates is to try and build up your work experience before you graduate though internships, part-time working and vacation work ???? not forgetting that voluntary work is also valuable experience."
Another weakness identified by the poll participants was a lack of confidence, identified by 29%, which may not be that surprising given the state of the jobs market and the media attention it attracts. The worry for Hawes is that, "confidence is likely to drop further the longer graduates are out of work."
A further 11% felt that their level of academic achievement was the biggest weakness which might well be a reaction to the news that a growing proportion of top graduate recruiters are using the 2:1 as their cut-off in 2010.
It appears the message might be getting through to students already with many securing internships this summer before they graduate in 2011. Robert Parkes, GRBs Marketing intern said "It is vital to pursue any work experience opportunities you get. Even if it is only for a week or so, work experience will tick a box on your CV and provide an interesting topic for interview conversation. As well as the many formal placements, placement opportunities may not exist until you create them. Employers may not be considering taking a student as a placement so you need to be proactive in your approach. To make an employer interested in you, you need to market yourself to show how you can be useful to them. You will be glad you put the effort in when it comes round to interview season and you have a good response to one of the most common questions."
