Businesses offered graduate recruitment advice

A new guide on how businesses can make the most of their graduate employee recruitment has been published by the government.

The online document offers information and advice to people with management skills on how to write job advertisements and the most effective way to generate applications, how to screen candidates and preparing interview lists and how to judge applicants and appoint the most suitable.

It is aimed at ensuring that the recruitment process is as transparent and fair as possible, while giving businesses the opportunity to choose from the most appropriate talent.

David Lammy, the higher education minister, said: "Recruitment to the professions must be open and fair for all applicants, regardless of their background. It is talent and hard work that should determine success.

"Employers are making good progress, but there is still more to be done to make sure we are getting the best people for the best jobs."

Last month, the Association for Graduate Recruiters released its bi-annual survey of the graduate jobs market and predicted that there would be a decline for the first time in six years.