Graduate Recruitment

5. Meeting Candidates

Careers fairs, the milk round and employer presentations at universities are good ways to make contact with prospective graduate employees. But these can be time consuming and costly and should only really be undertaken if you can afford to do it well and on a consistent basis.

5.1 Careers fairs offer you the chance to meet future graduates in an informal setting.

• The cost of exhibition space varies, from nothing to several hundred pounds.
• Make sure you have enough people available to answer enquiries, and plenty of information about your company.
• Get your timing right. Most graduate careers fairs take place between November and March. You should book your place by the preceding April. Summer fairs are increasingly popular. They take place around June and July.
• There are different types of fair. Many universities offer SME days (for small and medium-sized enterprises). You will be able to meet students without having to compete with the large graduate recruiters.

5.2 The milk round offers employers the opportunity to interview candidates on campus.

• Interview as many students as you can who meet your job requirements.
• Aim to come away with a shortlist of candidates to invite for further interviews and possibly some 'taster' work experience before you make a final decision.

5.3 Most universities also organise employer presentations.

• Do not rely on your company name to attract students. Be specific about what you can offer graduates.