Graduate job search guide
If you're in your final year or a recent graduate, you should be considering your next steps, including securing a professional role. The graduate job market can feel overwhelming. Here we provide tips and advice for making your job search efficient in this guide.
In this guide:
- Graduate jobs vs graduate schemes
- Searching for graduate jobs
- Managing offers and salaries
- Taking care of yourslf
Graduate jobs vs graduate schemes
There are two main paths to getting into graduate employment - graduate jobs and graduate schemes. Each has its advantages and our Advisers can help you choose the right one for you. Remember, we offer support for graduates for up to 5 years after graduation.
Here are the key differences between graduate jobs and schemes.
A “Graduate job” refers to any entry-level role with the requirement for at least an undergraduate level education.
When to apply for a graduate job
You should start looking out for these vacancies a couple of months before the end of your course. Vacancies are advertised when the need arises and employers will normally want someone in post within a couple of months.
Where to find graduate schemes
- MyCareer
- Prospects
- Target Jobs
- Indeed
- Milkround
- Glass Door
- Graduate Jobs
Graduate schemes are training programmes that are typically offered by large employers and last between 12 months and three years.
The defined time frame of the scheme is the main thing that sets these opportunities apart from the wider definition of a ‘graduate job’. Graduate schemes are typically offered industries including:
- Banking
- Finance
- Accounting
- Technology
- Engineering
- Business
Employers often consider candidates from any subject background.
An advantage of a graduate schemes is that employees have the opportunity to rotate between different departments of the business over the course of their training. Graduates may choose to work with the employer permanently, or apply to other roles once their training is complete.
When to apply for a graduate scheme
The typical application and recruitment window for graduate schemes is from September onwards, with a start date of the following summer and/or September. Some organisations will have a more flexible approach and some will have rolling application deadlines.
Where to find graduate schemes
Explore more information about graduate schemes using the links below:
- GradTouch - What’s the difference between a grad job and a grad scheme?
- TARGETjobs - Graduate schemes and graduate training
- TARGETjobs - Search for graduate schemes
- Prospects - Graduate schemes
- Bright Network - Application deadlines for graduate schemes
Searching for graduate jobs
How you can find graduate jobs varies depending on the industry you're searching in. You can find industry-specific advice through our Career Guides.
Online job search
You can start your job search through these general career websites:
- MyCareer
- Prospects
- Targetjobs
- Bright Network
- Top 100 Graduate Employers
- Milkround
- Glassdoor
- Graduate Jobs
