IT failing in 'grab a grad' bids

IT companies are failing to attract as many graduate applications as other industries.

Although the tech industry is still pulling in interest, with IT companies receiving 22 applicants for every graduate vacancy, this is below the national average of 29, according to a recent graduate recruitment survey.

The Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) Graduate Recruitment Survey 2007 - Summer Review report shows consumer goods companies are getting the highest number of graduate applications, with 104 applications for every vacancy and a median salary of £25,000.

The median starting salary in an IT graduate position this year will be £23,000, just below the overall median of £23,500, the AGR report predicts. Banking and financial services companies will splash the most cash, with a median starting rate of £37,000.

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Other trends show companies are also keen to assess a candidate's soft skills through psychometric testing. Logic, numeracy and numerical reasoning top the table of skills looked for by such tests, followed by literacy and verbal reasoning, the report reveals.

Nearly all respondents (92 per cent) said psychometric testing is "useful" or "very useful" as an aid to the recruitment process and 91 per cent said the tests have "some" or a "very strong" influence on recruiting decisions.

Carl Gilleard, chief executive of AGR, said graduates are realising academic achievements are not enough to secure a position and are focusing on developing softer skills such as team working when applying for graduate-level positions.

According to separate research from e-skills UK, two-fifths of recruiters said business, interpersonal and non-technical skills are lacking in new graduates.

During a recent McCue interview, Capital & Regional CIO Richard Snooks told silicon.com he's critical of the quality of graduates from university IT courses.

Snooks said: "We are increasing the number of staff and upping the salary levels. I am looking for business managers. I have never employed geeks. I don't think generally universities do a good job. I need intelligent people with good personalities who can get on with people."