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Graduate Trainee Schemes advice

13 replies

NaturalBlondeYeahRight · 08/07/2022 20:49

Obviously DD will be doing the heavy lifting on her return but I just wondered if anyone had any general advice for graduate schemes in London. She's currently travelling after uni. Got a 1st from Russell group uni in History and wants to start the world of work.
Any recruitment companies recommended to talk to? She maybe wants to head towards PR/HR (not finance particularly) Strong on research and analysis- outgoing personality. DH is a surveyor and she doesn't fancy that. Any advice very welcome.

OP posts:
HermioneWeasley · 08/07/2022 21:39

She needs to apply to grad schemes directly, not go via an agency. All the big companies will have corporate schemes, and are likely to have HR specific ones.

getupstandupsitdown · 08/07/2022 22:13

Apply direct to the companies themselves.

This might be helpful

ise.org.uk

NaturalBlondeYeahRight · 08/07/2022 22:27

Thanks for that, all the recruitment companies pop up when you google schemes. Does LinkedIn actually help?

OP posts:
LIZS · 08/07/2022 22:30

It would be sensible to have linkedin profile. She may find some grad schemes are still on hold or have long recruitment processes. Has she done any relevant internships?

Igmum · 08/07/2022 22:46

Her university will have a specialist careers advice service. Definitely worth talking to (and free). If she wants to get into HR it may be worth doing a specialist Masters.

Bobbobchampagne · 08/07/2022 22:46

Most grad schemes open for applications in the autumn for start dates next September, so she may be better off finding work for the next year and applying once the schemes reopen in September/October.

AnaïsM · 08/07/2022 22:47

NaturalBlondeYeahRight · 08/07/2022 22:27

Thanks for that, all the recruitment companies pop up when you google schemes. Does LinkedIn actually help?

I don’t think that it’s normal to use an agency for graduate schemes.

cestlavielife · 08/07/2022 22:52

Vety easy to google hr graduate schemes

She needs to hone her googling skills :/

www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/job-sectors/recruitment-and-hr/hr-graduate-schemes

cestlavielife · 08/07/2022 22:52

graduates.nhs.uk/

Eve · 08/07/2022 23:02

Gradcracker are good for grad schemes.

it’s all very easy to Google and find out and the Uni will have had recruitment fairs.

Howcoldloveis · 09/07/2022 09:57

Eve · 08/07/2022 23:02

Gradcracker are good for grad schemes.

it’s all very easy to Google and find out and the Uni will have had recruitment fairs.

Gradcracker focus on stem graduates - they are good but maybe not for HR. External companies often take care of grad recruitment - so don't limit yourself to only apply directly to firms.

University careers services are variable. But they are underused and so any approach from grads is met with enthusiasm. They run all sorts of programs from expert panels, careers cafes, leading industry figures lectures. Careers workshops. Application help.

In my experience grads spread themselves far too thinly (the opinion of our contact at Gradcracker too) they apply to countless companies, don't tailor their applications and get rejected at first glance. You are better doing 5 excellent tailored applications than 100 ok generic applications. Get Grammarly to pick up on typos in all communications including Linkedin and Whatsapp. Know how to write a letter or note using appropriate spacing and paragraphs...it's amazing how many grads do not know the difference between writing a handwritten letter and a typed letter.

Know what industry you are applying to and talk about why it excites and interests you, read up on current industry and company news. Respond to all communications promptly. If they give you an online test to complete - do not wait till the last minute to do it.

Be human and relaxed in interviews, you are trying to connect with someone - the days of excessive formality have gone, have good questions to ask - there are loads available online so be careful you aren't sounding like a cliche, have good examples prepared in advance to talk about, don't make these up - unless you are a good liar, it's really obvious. And don't suggest that getting through University during Covid makes you special and particularly resilient - everyone else had to do the same and they aren't making a big deal about it. Don't be scared of your weaknesses - know them, be able to talk about them and know how to address them.

There are more grad opportunities this year than usual - she has an excellent chance of getting in if she applies herself as seriously to the job hunt as she did to her studies - every job advert is an exam question - there's a list of things they want - answer each one, demonstrate you have it or how you hope to develop it.

The big drive traditionally starts in October but loads of companies recruit year round - so don't wait till October - if anything start applying now - it's good practice and hopefully she'll get some good feedback and hone her approach for success.

Promotionorno · 15/07/2022 15:34

Grad recruitment starts early, so she'll need a close eye on deadlines.

If she isn't sure what she wants to do, there are schemes that provide a rotation through different departments that might be a good choice.

Redstripeyellowstripe · 17/07/2022 21:41

NaturalBlondeYeahRight · 08/07/2022 20:49

Obviously DD will be doing the heavy lifting on her return but I just wondered if anyone had any general advice for graduate schemes in London. She's currently travelling after uni. Got a 1st from Russell group uni in History and wants to start the world of work.
Any recruitment companies recommended to talk to? She maybe wants to head towards PR/HR (not finance particularly) Strong on research and analysis- outgoing personality. DH is a surveyor and she doesn't fancy that. Any advice very welcome.

Encourage your dd to say thank you when someone helps her out...unlike her parent! Wink

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