Just How Far Do Graduates Go In Order To Find Work?
Times are tough for graduates - nearly a third (29%) of companies receive more than 250 applications for each graduate role advertised and 53% of graduates have been looking for a job for six months or more.
It is surprising the lengths some will go to in order to find work. When it comes to filling in applications 17% would consider lying on their CV to help them get a new job.
Interestingly, male graduates are more likely to lie (22%) than female graduates (13%). Nearly one in ten male graduates (9%) would consider walking down the high street wearing a sandwich board to promote themselves. Also 42% of female, and 35% of male, graduates are prepared to work for three months or more unpaid to get a new job.
Of those graduates polled, 68% looked at other options like travelling, voluntary work or further study upon graduation, and half of those did so because they couldn’t find a graduate job.
Also 73% of graduates would consider moving abroad to find work (with men more likely to consider this option at 80% versus 67% of women).
What can graduates do to improve their chances of finding work?
Graduates should note that the recruiters SHL polled said the competency they find hardest to find in graduates is leading and deciding (32%) followed by supporting and cooperating (28%). Also, half of recruiters only spend one to two minutes reading an application form the first time.
Only 39% of graduates consider marketing themselves online, but recruiters are already using social media to screen candidates - for example 36% of recruiters use Google to screen candidates, and 34% use LinkedIn.
Recruiters for professional services firms are the most inclined to use these methods of screening (52% use Google, 45% use LinkedIn).
Sean Howard, Vice President Solutions, SHL says "I really do sympathise with the challenges today’s graduates face. Before taking drastic steps such as moving abroad, taking up lengthy unpaid internships, or even fibbing on their application form, I urge them to consider first how to better market themselves online and demonstrate the core competencies recruiters are looking for, such as leading and deciding.
"Also when applying for a role consider the recruiter’s time - don’t write an essay, focus on getting the relevant attributes across concisely."