Another wave of graduates is set to enter the job market and competition for graduate positions remains high — proven by an Association of Graduate Recruiters survey which has revealed that there are, on average, 48 applications for every graduate-level position.
Training schemes for university leavers are similarly competitive. Large employers such as British Gas are reporting that they have seen double the number of applicants this year, compared to last year, proving the competition to get on a graduate scheme has never been tougher.
But don't be intimidated by the statistics. We are running a series of live Q&As, each one focused on a different industry so you can find out about the top schemes in your sector, how to apply and what these employers are looking for.
Our experts will give you advice on standing out and preparing for a career in your chosen sector.
First in the series is retail, so if you've been thinking about a scheme or wondering how to get your foot in the door at a top supermarket, for example, post your questions and comments for our experts now.
The panel includes:
Becki Fish is graduate recruitment advisor for Sainsbury's, delivering the retailer's key attraction strategies, its campus teams and also managing the operational recruitment of graduates.
Nigel Rothband, chief executive, Retail Trust — a charity which looks after the retail workforce. Nigel has spent more than 30 years in the retail industry. His career includes a 14-year stint at the Arcadia Group in roles such as area manager, regional controller and head of marketing and visual merchandising for Topshop and Topman.
Liz Jones is people and practice manager at integrated PR agency Launch Group. Liz has more than four years HR experience and at Launch is responsible for everything from graduate recruitment days to green initiatives.
Claire Herbert works in personnel at John Lewis. Throughout her six years with the company, Claire has been involved with graduate recruitment; from screening applications, attending careers fairs, organising seminars and their main secondment to giving advice and talking through the suitability of John Lewis schemes with an individual.
