Graduate vacancies at ten year high · Issue 869, by Jess Best

An independent survey of the UK’s leading graduate employers has found that the increase in graduate vacancies for 2008 is the biggest in 10 years.

The Association of Graduate Recruiters Winter Review 2008 found the number of jobs available has increased for the fifth consecutive year in a row, this year by 16.4%.

Despite this, 67% of employers still believe that they will have problems filling the positions on offer.

The survey stated that this is down to a combination of factors including increasingly selective graduates as well as employers’ claims that not enough graduates have the skills that they are looking for.

This has led almost a quarter of businesses to advertise their vacancies overseas.

Carl Gilleard, Chief Executive of the AGR said: “There is a strong message in these results for those seeking a graduate post in 2008 – don’t delay.

“Start applying for posts straight away and make sure that you prepare your applications carefully to ensure you market yourself well.

“Despite the growth in vacancies, it is still a very competitive and demanding market out there.”

The survey also found that the number of graduates recruited from ethnic minorities had increased to 26.7% in 2007, up from 15.1% in 2006.

Cardiff University Careers Service is avialble for help and advice on any career issues you have. Visit http://www.cf.ac.uk/carsv/.