Why SMEs shouldn’t miss the graduate talent pool this autumn
As we move into September, many graduates who took a well-earned break over the summer are now getting serious about their job search. After three or four intense years of study, it’s no surprise some needed time to decompress before diving into the next chapter. But now? They’re switched on, refreshed, and ready to start…
Think graduate hiring only happens in autumn? Here’s why that’s not true
Graduate hiring in the UK doesn’t end after autumn or spring. It carries on throughout the year, particularly in SME recruitment. While larger graduate programmes tend to grab the headlines, there are plenty of companies hiring all year round for graduate jobs and early careers roles. Many bring people in mid-year when they expand, or…
AI in Hiring: The Big Breakthroughs (and Risks) You Need to Know
AI is transforming the way companies recruit, and its impact is only growing. At Step, we work closely with students, graduates, and employers, so we’ve been tracking this trend for a while. Last year, we explored AI’s role in graduate hiring in our whitepaper, What Does the Rising Use of AI Mean for Early Careers?…
Abin’s Year at Handicare: From Theory to Real-World Engineering
Meet Abin, an Electrical and Electronics Engineering student at Aston University, who recently wrapped up a Research and Development internship at Handicare. His year was all about bringing engineering theory to life, working on modifying existing products and developing new projects with the Electrical and Electronics team. From application to first-day jitters. Abin first heard…
Abin
8 Top Tips to create a CV that will secure your first graduate job in 2025
Are you applying for graduate jobs but feeling unsure about how to make your CV stand out? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! With competition for graduate roles at an all-time high, having a strong CV is essential. This guide breaks down 8 simple steps to create a CV that will help you secure interviews for your…
Why do grad roles expect experience? Here’s how to show employers you’ve got the skills they need
You don’t need a certificate for every skill, some of the most valuable ones are things you’re already doing without even noticing We chat to loads of students and grads at Step who say they “haven’t got enough experience.” But once we dig a bit deeper, it turns out they’ve picked up all sorts of…
How to choose the right graduate recruitment agency for you
Graduation can feel like a strange in-between; you’ve worked hard for your degree, but now what? The job market is competitive, job boards are overwhelming, and knowing where to start is half the battle. That’s where a graduate recruitment agency, especially one that truly specialises in graduates like you, can make all the difference. Here…
6 Reasons Why a Sandwich Placement Is an Easy Win for Your Business Growth
Sandwich placements—also known as placement years—are an incredible opportunity for businesses to nurture fresh talent while gaining valuable contributions. For students, these placements bridge the gap between university and the professional world. But for businesses? They’re a golden opportunity for growth, innovation, and building a future-ready workforce. At Step, we’ve seen countless businesses thrive by…
Navigating University Work & Employability: A Glossary for Businesses
Students and graduates are a fantastic source of talent and should be a key part of any organisation’s succession planning strategy. But for businesses unfamiliar with university employability services, understanding the different options can feel confusing. Universities offer various routes to connect with student and graduate talent, from career services to graduate schemes. In this…
