University of Manchester Careers Blog

In my last post I mentioned that you could come into the Careers Service at The Atrium to pick up free copies of this year’s graduate directories. Just to let you know that they have now all been delivered and are available for take away.

Titles include:

• Times Top 100
• GET Directory
• Guardian 300
• Prospects Directory

If you want to apply for a graduate scheme starting in 2013 these guides provide an insight into programmes offered by large employers.  Although the broad aim of each of the guides is the same they have separate features you may or may not want to use.

Times Top 100 – Of all of the titles this is the only hard back edition retailing in shops for £19,00. It has  useful articles on understanding the graduate job market, job hunting and a specific insight into PWC chosen as this publications ‘top graduate employer’.

Each employer listed in the guide has a two page spread containing information on;

• The type of vacancies they offer
• The number of vacancies they offer
• The starting salary
• Minimum entry requirements
• Application deadline

GET Directory- With advice on applications, interviews and assessment centres, an overview of top career sectors and a really useful UK employment guide this is a particularly useful directory for graduates now living around the UK.

Each employer listed in the guide has a one page profile detailing information on;

• The job roles they offer
• The specific degree disciplines  they are looking to recruit
• The number of graduate vacancies they are offering
• The application procedure

Guardian 300 – Launched in 2011/12 this directory is still the new kid on the block, but don’t let that put you off it’s still a really useful resource.  A particularly useful section in the directory covers major sectors in graduate recruitment, providing an overview of the sector as a whole, a list of top rated employers in the industry and other related areas you may also be interested in.

Each employer listed in the directory has a two page spread containing information on;

• The type of employer they are (what industry they work in)
• What opportunities they offer
• The selection process
• The core skills they require you to have.

Prospects – From the producers of prospects.ac.uk this directory has essential tips on applications, interviews and assessment centres along with a really useful chapter on different career sectors. In this chapter you can find out where people with your degree are now employed and a list of companies you may want to consider. Towards the back of the directory there is also a really useful list of employers indexed by the type of work they offer- ideal if you know what positions you are interested in.

Each employer listed has a one page profile detailing information on;

• The roles they offer
• The location of work
• Preferred degree  disciplines
• The benefits of working with the employer

I’ve also spent some time last week compiling a full list of the graduate scheme closing dates listed in these directories. I’ve listed them A-Z and by closing date You can access them here. Please be aware that although closing dates might be stated we would always advise you to get your applications in ASAP to avoid disappointment.