Using the service provided by Step has a number of benefits that will not be available through similar free services offered by universities. One of these benefits is the value of Step’s network and database for employers.
There have been several recent examples of successful businesses with close links with one or more local universities who were struggling to find the right graduate to join their team. This is where Step’s extended network paid dividends, as we were able to find top-drawer graduates for each of these recent examples which included roles in sales, account management, engineering and marketing.
Let’s look closer at how Step can provide significant advantages in finding the right graduates.
Finding the Right Graduate: A Case Study
One of the employers we recently helped has a well-established business with a high-profile in their specific industry. The Managing Director had been searching for the right graduate for over a year without success. His requirements were quite specific, with the graduate needing to be business-focused with the raw skills that could be built on for a sales and account management role.
The MD was flexible on the graduate’s degree subject, but just couldn’t find the right candidate. The universities he had links with had been helpful by forwarding him applications, but they were all un-screened and none of the applicants turned out to be suitable.
We then undertook an initial search to see who we had available. We proactively advertised and searched for new candidates and received a lot of interest. We talked with each of the applicants to narrow down the shortlist and were able to present three suitable applicants to be interviewed. The feedback from the MD was that he would have employed all three if he could.
Ultimately, he could only employ one, and the one he chose is now thriving in her new role and making profit for the business. The fee for Step’s service has already been more than covered.
The Value of Step’s Network and Database for Employers
Following on from the case study above, it is worth noting that two of the graduates that interviewed for the available role were actually from universities that the MD had long established links. However, neither of the candidates had been made aware of the opportunity by their uni career departments.
Another of the interviewees had studied over 200 miles away and was looking to return home to begin his career. He would never have been notified of the opportunity by his uni as it was too far away from their local area.
At Step we take pride in the many long-standing, strong relationships we have with universities across the UK. These networks have been invaluable for filling internships, sandwich placements and permanent roles over the years.
Our student and graduate database contains over 40,000 promising individuals, many of which have studied far away from home but are now looking to start their careers nearer their origins. All that potential will be missed if businesses concentrate their searches only with local universities.
Direct links to local unis still have benefits, of course, but you could be missing out on excellent talent and potential by not using our services. The fee is only payable if one of our students or graduates joins you, so our services are a win-win situation.
If you are looking to hire students or recent graduates for short term placements, internships or full-time permanent positions, then get in touch with Step today to access a database of emerging talent with up to 1,000 new registrations every month!