Current Students and Staff

// University News

4 Feb 2014

Rise in graduate jobs predicted – but you need to have the right skills

A new survey suggests there will be more graduate vacancies available this year, but you still need to ensure you have the right skills and abilities to land a job.

The survey by the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) predicts a 10% rise in the coming graduate recruitment round.

The public sector is predicted to have a large increase in vacancies - up 20% on last year, along with energy, water and utilities (up 17.5%) and banking and financial services up 15.7%. Job openings in IT and telecoms are expected to rise by 40%.

AGR chief executive Stephen Isherwood said the expected rise was welcome news, but he warns: “This doesn't mean, however, that graduates should be any less focussed on their career search. We know that, even through the darkest days of the recession, our members reported unfilled vacancies because they couldn't find graduates with the right mix of skills and attributes.

"Graduates need to think carefully about their applications and ensure they understand what a potential employer is looking for."

Find out how you can enhance your skills through the Careers and Employability Centre