This graduate recruitment and skills survey is the survey is the first to combine the findings of membership of six industry bodies: Manchester Digital; Manchester Publicity Association; Data and Marketing Association; pro-manchester; IAB UK and Chartered Institute of Marketing.
Executive Summary
Findings reveal how the use of particular words used when advertising graduate jobs, can result in the same pool of talent applying for those roles. Using techniques to reduce gender-coded words is a proven way to increase the number of applicants.
Round table discussion that explored these survey findings identified that student confidence is another barrier to graduate recruitment. It is known that students from less privileged backgrounds either lack the confidence to apply for certain graduate roles, or can often underperform during the recruitment process. For example, not understanding how assessment centres work, hence not applying or underperforming during one.
The survey and round table discussion was evidence of employers and universities collaborating very effectively. For example, mentoring, working on live client briefs, guest speaking, advertising graduate roles via university career hubs. There are many more examples and much more work to be done. It is intended that this survey and report provides more impetus as per the actions below.
Actions arising from the survey and Nov 2023 round table
A series of actions were identified to help industry employers and universities to make more impact.
- ‘Employ Me’ project [name to be confirmed]
Jointly delivered with industry, this will focus on successful on-boarding of graduates and their early career development.
Enabling more effective transitioning from full time student to full time professional
Best practice being shared between the HE sector and employers
- Graduate Recruitment Toolkit
Useful to any sector and professional association. The toolkit will become a living document containing best practice, and links to useful resources, that is updated as the work of this cluster evolves.
- Feb 2024 Webinar
For those who could not attend the Nov 2023 round table, in addition to those who contributed to on the day. The focus will be on key themes discussed in the round table, actions taken as above and measuring the impact of our collaborative work.
Dr Jeff McCarthy
Senior Lecturer Digital Marketing, Manchester Metropolitan University
Faculty Graduate Outcomes and Alumni Lead
Faculty Employability co-Lead
Lead and Founder: Global Universities Forum of Digital Capability and Employability
Posted on: Thursday 4 January 2024
