TARGETjobs news roundup

Hi there, how’s it going? You've found your way to the TARGETjobs news round-up. It’s weekly, it’s quick-fire, and it’s got all you need to know about the world of graduate recruitment.

Before we get going we would like to thank BBC Free Speech for inviting us down to their live audience in Reading. The debate topics included immigration, and Nick Clegg’s apology. To read more about this just scroll down or click here. 

This week there are a couple of stories which should prove particularly interesting to engineering graduates. It seems engineers are in high demand these days, and even though the built environment sector has been going through a rocky patch, there are still jobs available if you know how to get them:

• First up, there have been complaints from the Royal Academy of Engineering that not enough people are taking STEM (Science, Tech,Engineering and Maths) degrees. There is a now shortage of young engineers, which means that it should be getting easier for graduates to get jobs in this sector.
• And, if you’re interested in a career in construction, civil engineering or quantity surveying we’ve got some handy tips on four ways to get into the industry. Any edge you can get on your peers will be an advantage to you.

Then again, not everyone wants to be an engineer, so check out these as well:

• If you want to work with Aviva, make sure you know what to say. One spokesperson told us that candidates should: ‘Demonstrate that they have not only researched what we do, but also who we are and what we stand for.’
• If you fancy working in human resources instead, it’s worth knowing what kind of skills and competencies you need. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has just made one of their professional resources available to the general public.
• For would-be solicitors our editor-in-chief Steve James is having a look at some of his favourite law firms. If you’re looking for perks then this could be worth casting an eye over. The salaries aren't bad either.
• In marketing and media we've got some interesting speculation on five developments which could affect the way you work in the future. This information could be useful in interview situations.

We also have a round-up of all the other news for anyone who doesn't fancy moving into these sectors:

• For a while the graduate recruitment business has been looking for a more inclusive way to assess applicants – rather than the 2.1, 2.2 cut-off – and it looks like we might have one. Universities are introducing HEAR, a thorough record of achievement which also reflects extra-curricular activities.
• We've also got a heads-up about ‘zero hours’ contracts. This new kind of contract is gaining popularity among recruiters. With the news that NHS clinical staff may soon be on them, they are being introduced for graduate roles too.
• Everyone needs to know how to answer competency questions, but what do you do when the competency is as vague as ‘managing ambiguity’? Fortunately, we’ve got a handy breakdown of what this skill entails, and how you can prove that you’ve got it.
• Finally there are a number of graduate jobs with deadlines coming in the next week. Would-be management consultants will be particularly interested.

To get graduate careers news as it happens, check out the TARGETjobs news feed. Alternatively, check out the roundup this time next week!

TARGETjobs offers the largest choice of graduate jobs, internships and placements. Independent reviews on top graduate employers and career planning tools and expert guidance. Become a TARGETjobs blogger by getting in touch with jackie.balchin2@targetjobs.co.uk.