Reuters has significantly increased
the diversity of new staff through its Internet recruitment scheme.
Ivan Newman, head of global
graduate recruitment and employer brand, said the site allows the media company
to choose from graduates in areas as diverse as Pakistan, Ireland and the US.
The site uses an
electronic application form, which attracts thousands of candidates a year.
Although Reuters is happy to receive written applications, the Internet system
has proved so popular that it received just 10 paper applications last year.
Newman said,
"What we are looking to do is to take the students and match them to a
place in the company. It is about ensuring there is a fair selection procedure
and providing a full support mechanism."
The company’s website
boasts student-friendly features such as career planners, job advice and
downloadable screensavers.
Reuters has hired 200
graduates since the site began in 1996.
Graduate recruitment
managers become each new trainee’s line manager once they have been offered a
job at Reuters, explained Newman, at an Access Conference International event
this month.