Graduate jobseekers "overlook SMEs"

Graduate jobseekers are overlooking the opportunities and benefits associated with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), according to a new survey.

The poll of recruitment agencies by business services provider Iconnyx shows that only three per cent of university leavers favour working for an SME.

However, the company said that in many cases, these businesses are less exposed to global market instability than larger firms.

"Although it might seem like a risk in the current climate, small to medium-size organisations have the agility to respond to market opportunities and can be more flexible with regard to hiring staff," it added.

Iconnyx also noted that graduates at smaller firms can have "more visibility and transparency" compared with those working in the massed ranks of big companies, which can result in more opportunities for promotion.

Overall, half of university leavers expressed no preference for working at an SME or a large business, while recruiters said that 68 per cent will accept the first job they are offered, rather than waiting for the right post.

Almost three-quarters (73 per cent) of recruitment agencies and 82 per cent of graduates thought the best route to securing a job is work experience, with 40 per cent of consultants reporting an increase in the number of degree holders accepting unpaid internships.