Leading recruiter argues the case for the discovery of hidden talent
Release Date: 14 June 2005
Valuable graduate talent is being lost in the system, according to major new research. While welcoming the study, a leading graduate recruiter has pointed out that a mixed approach to graduate recruitment will avoid a waste of talent.
The research , published today by IES and the Council for Industry and Higher Education, states that graduates who enter jobs at a local level risk remaining ‘hidden’, and run the risk of being under-utilised. It also highlights the need to focus, particularly with online recruitment, on the actual competencies and general cognitive abilities, not ‘crude proxies for competence’, such as degree class or UCAS points.
The report also urges employers to form stronger and wider links with universities and careers advisers. Jonathan Evans, director at Discovery Recruitment, said: ‘Recruitment agencies also have a role to play - particularly as the door opener for both graduate and client, making local opportunities known to the right candidates with the right skill sets, even when formal graduate intake programmes don’t exist.’
A recommendation in the report is for universities to help graduates find their competencies and ‘fit with employers’ and avoid locally recruited talent becoming ‘hidden’.
‘This problem of hidden talent can be alleviated by partnering with recruiters who can deliver training and support,’ said Mr Evans. ‘Ongoing training, plus monthly field and telephone support, from a recruitment consultancy can help grow and highlight talent if a company’s own internal resources don’t allow for it.’
He added: ‘A more creative and mixed approach is required. A recent gradplus.com survey shows that 68 per cent of graduates do not believe their university did enough to help them find a job or communicate their choices. Part of the solution could be for careers services to work closely with recruitment companies, especially for non-graduate intake programme jobs. Some do, and it’s a genuine partnership approach.’
Related Information: