Latest news: Smaller businesses missing out on graduates

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are losing out with graduates adopting a ‘first job rather than right job’ mentality, according to a new survey. 28/11/2011

Despite graduates realising the importance of work experience, many are missing out on opportunities by focusing on the large recruiters and not on SMEs. 

73% of recruitment agencies and 82% of graduates believe work experience is the route to finding a job, says the survey by Iconnyx.

‘I believe these results show that graduates are overlooking the opportunities and benefits associated with SMEs, who in many instances are less exposed to global market instability,’ said Tim Walker, Icconyx managing director.

The survey revealed that 68% of graduates said they would take the first job offered rather than the right one, with more graduates applying for a wider array of jobs.

‘Whilst it might seem like a risk in the current climate, small to medium size organisations have the agility to respond to market opportunities, and can be more flexible with regard to hiring staff.

‘Whilst it is positive that graduates are getting work experience, the opportunity for career progression in an SME compared to a larger organisation should also be a factor to be considered by universities when giving careers advice,’ added Tim.

Regarding graduate candidates coming forward, 40% of consultancies found that more graduates are accepting unpaid internships.

This fact is unsurprising given that over the coming twelve months, 63% of agencies believe that there will be more candidates than job opportunities.

Iconnyx conducted its graduate survey across thirty recruitment consultancies, taking in feedback from university graduates nationwide.