25 July 2008
	FM Campus Recruitment Edition A foot in the door By Jacqui Pile

More and more companies are pitching their recruitment programmes on campus. Use the opportunity to do some research and find the right package for you In the search for scarce skills, companies are actively seeking out talented graduates to meet their human resource requirements. The SA Graduate Recruitment Association (Sagra) says the graduate recruitment market is growing more than 1% a year and to meet their needs, companies are designing programmes that are increasingly sophisticated and competitive. Here's how to get onto the right programme: Become the interviewer Each year, dozens of companies head to SA's campuses to pitch their graduate recruitment programmes. They're also there to interview potential candidates. "Meeting people from different companies can give you a feel for their cultures," says Sagra national co-ordinator, Cathy Sims. "Ask the company representatives to put you in touch with other graduates who have been on the programme. You can learn a lot from hearing about their experiences." Conducting an "information interview" with other people working in the company is a good way to explore the company in a non-threatening environment. This research will stand you in good stead if you make it to the interview round later on. Be selective With so many options out there, it's tempting to use a machine-gun approach in applying to graduate programmes. "It's better to approach the challenge like a sniper," says Sims. "Instead of sending your CV out to all the companies you can think of, choose a few that you would really like to work for and tailor your CV and covering letter to what they are looking for." Make sure you've done your homework, including some Internet research. Most companies have developed good online resources that you can use to find out more about their graduate programmes. Compare packages Don't expect to earn a massive salary from the get-go. Understand that a graduate programme is all about trading off opportunities. If the salary doesn't appear as high as that offered by another company, perhaps the training opportunities are better. One company may offer a shorter programme, which means you can move into a real job more quickly, but another may provide opportunities to gain experience in more business areas. When comparing financial benefits, look at whether the company offers a competitive salary, competitive annual leave entitlement, medical aid, provident fund and life cover. In terms of your development, find out what opportunities you'll have to develop your skills, what soft skills you'll learn and what mentorship you will receive. Also, ask what kind of financial support the company offers in terms of the external courses and exams you may want to take to further your qualifications. Company culture is an important consideration. Consider what type of people you'd like to work with and get a sense of the culture by talking to the people who work there. "Successful recruitment programmes are those that have good retention rates afterwards," says Sims. "How many graduates stay on to work at the company one, two and even five years after the programme is completed?" Get going Visit websites such as www.sagra.org.za or www.jonti.co.za for pointers to companies with graduate placement programmes so that you can start your research. Most companies close their applications in about September, as they want you to start working at the beginning of the new year. Jacqui Pile writes for the FM