One of the largest areas of growth within the university graduate community in the UK is in information technology professionals. There are a number of reasons for this increase, most notably that graduates are beginning to see that their best career path may be through IT departments throughout the UK. Another reason is that students grow up around computers and develop an intimate knowledge of computing technology that lends itself easily to a career in IT work. Finally, IT graduates are benefitting greatly from improved university programs and a higher level of recruitment by IT firms throughout the UK. IT recruiters are utilising a number of methods to get graduates into the fold.

The time honoured tradition of the job fair is one that IT recruiters have turned from stodgy meet-and-greets into a multimedia display of their company’s wares. Recruiters from software development firms and IT consultancies typically set up projectors and use flashy presentations to draw in the sceptical IT graduate. From there, recruiters from IT-related businesses can speak comfortably with younger professionals as many of these IT recruiters are only a few years away from their own graduation. For companies and graduates, the job fair is an important and necessary point of contact.

Some companies are beginning to utilise the university setting to recruit new graduates into IT positions. These companies still use some of the older methods of advertisement, including ads in the university paper and posters in highly trafficked areas. However, software companies and IT firms often work in conjunction with a university to supply them with software and computing equipment. As well, these companies often have contact with faculty and advisors for a number of reasons including collaborations on public programs about technology. Throughout the university setting, IT companies have a strong presence.

IT companies also have some alternative or innovative methods of reaching out to IT graduates. An IT firm will often hold forums or career nights at one of their facilities, aimed specifically at graduates. These firms will have recruiters and professionals speak about open positions and the corporate atmosphere in which they work. As well, IT firms will often advertise on television or on the Internet, particularly channels or sites frequented by students. IT graduates may find the amount of information and promotional materials to be daunting at first. However, the savvy IT professional realizes that they can benefit greatly by taking advantage of IT recruitment. Since they have specific technical skills that are highly desired by employers, a graduate can leverage these skills to find the best job possible.

About the Author
Mark Doherty is a Director of Alexander Chapel Associates. A specialist sales recruitment company with a focus in IT sales jobs, logistics jobs and supply chain recruitment.