University careers services are old-fashioned, out of touch and failing to
match suitable candidates to jobs, the country’s top graduate recruiters
believe.
Members of the Association of Graduate Recruiters who took part in a survey
published by the Financial Times last week said careers advisers often know
little about the real world of work, treat employers with disdain and are out
of touch with technology. They also fail to impress upon graduates the need for
work experience and to turn up to interviews.
A common complaint from the 169 association members who took part, was the
service’s attitude to them. One company called for advisers who "do not
show their own prejudices and opinions about organisations".
Another employer called for advisers to be better trained, saying they were
"unable to manage student expectations on the one hand and provide
practical advice on the other".
Carl Gilleard, chief executive of the Association for Graduate Recruiters,
said frustrations were mainly due to changes in the graduate recruitment
market.
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"We have seen a doubling in the number of graduates coming out of
university and at the same time the market has become more competitive,"
he said.
"There is an absolute requirement for careers advisers, departments and
employers to work closely together and gain a better understanding of their
roles."
