Graduate Schemes V Graduate Jobs

So the graduate class of 2010 face just as tough a jobs market as 2009. Of course in a recession and in slow growth phases employers are naturally cautious but lets look at the big picture. The AGR survey represents 199 recruiters - the big, well-known firms - offering 17,900 vacancies on graduate schemes but did you know that there are thousands more jobs with these employers and many others that are NOT on a scheme!

These jobs might not be well advertised and offer fast track promotion to management but they all require a degree with little or no experience. This slice of the jobs market often gets overlooked as they do not come under "graduate schemes" and as such gives a skewed view of the graduate jobs market. My message to graduates is look at the big picture, do your research, target niche areas and tailor your CV. What you read or hear about the graduate jobs market may only be the tip of the iceberg as many jobs for graduates are not advertised and remain in the hidden jobs market.