Graduate Employment & Employability The good news and the bad news.

The good news is that graduate vacancies are continuing to rise in 20011 according to an article in the latest edition of Graduate Recruiter.
Source: Graduate Recruite Issue 59, p.4 April/May 2011.

The bad news is that "employers are sending a clear message that even strong academic performance is not enough to get candidates across the line, unless it is combined with the right skills and experience."

In the same article Liz Sayce, commissioner at the UK Commission for Employment & Skills (http://www.ukces.org.uk/), agrees employability skills are imperative: "There's no doubt that qualifications are important, but they can only take you so far. Employers are looking for candidates who can demonstrate good social skills, excellent written and verbal communication, willingness to learn, as well as teamwork and management skills. It doesn't matter what level you're at, or what sort of job you want - you ignore these so-called 'employability' skills at your peril."

If you would like to know more about the resources and help available to support students develop, enhance and articulate their employability and engage in PDP, contact the me at the Career Development Centre on 01332 591316, b.haywood@derby.ac.uk or see our website www.derby.ac.uk/careers.