Graduates struggle to secure experience required for first job

Most graduates experience difficulty in securing the work experience required for their chosen careers, according to a recent survey by Manpower, the UKís leading recruitment specialists.

Manpowerís survey of 745 graduates found that 76% believe relevant work experience is necessary to secure the job they want, however 79% say they cannot afford to secure this experience by working for free on a placement.

Manpower UKís Operations Director for London, Jason Greaves says: ìMany graduates need to undertake work experience placements to compete in the marketplace and get the edge over the competition. Employers looking to fill most graduate-level positions require some work experience on a successful applicantís CV. However, many graduates cannot afford to gain this experience by working for a company with no pay.î

Greaves continues: ìThere are certain ways of combating this ñ for example, if graduates have no office experience then they can undertake temporary work to get their office skills up to scratch. Our research shows that 83% of graduates would consider a temporary position to gain relevant work experience, which is a great way to try out a range of different industries and working environments, whilst earning much needed money.î

Andrew Bowerbank graduated from Sheffield University with a degree in Business Studies in 2004 and left with almost 9,000 debt. Andrew was uncertain which career path he wanted to take, but knew he needed to start earning, so he registered with Manpower and completed several temporary assignments to build up his work experience. After gaining nine months of experience, Manpower found him a permanent job as a Marketing Executive.

Andrew says: ìFinding my first job wasnít easy. Employers were asking for experience ñ but this isnít something that I could offer until Iíd had my first job. It was frustrating, so I decided to register with Manpower. They found me a temporary position straight away and after Iíd gained some valuable work experience and made some money, Manpower found me a permanent position - which Iím still thoroughly enjoying.î