How your office space can be adapted to attract new graduate talent

In the wake of the latest raft of A-Level results came the news that record numbers had been accepted on to university courses.

More students means more graduates, and this fact makes the graduate jobs market
seriously competitive for applicants and businesses alike.

Attracting the very finest graduates is tough and requires that you convey the best aspects of your company culture. To do that, a universal approach is necessary. Here are the top tips for making your business appealing to the best graduate talent out there.

First impressions

The best graduates will have numerous interviews lined up, with the brightest often having their pick of employers. Their ultimate decision often comes down to gut feeling, and generally the only chance they get to make that judgement will be at interview.

Office spaces that convey a sense of excitement, progression and fun will appeal the most. Well-located offices – central and close to transport links – will also be attractive, but ultimately, if your office oozes personality, all other considerations become less decisive.

Smart businesses will ensure the great impression extends beyond the front-of-house – there is no fooling staff when it’s obvious all the money’s been spent on the customer-facing areas.

Read more on recruiting young talent:

• London SMEs look to millennials to deliver business growth and success
• Ultra-hip tech firms need to look past attaining staff through perks and focus more on diversity
• The UK’s young women have more career doubts than male counterparts

Agile working

Having the freedom to move around at work is key to unlocking creativity. Peldon Rose designed the Just Giving offices in Southwark, London, to include flexible workstations and informal meeting areas, as well as secluded spots for independent work. Many offices such as these and, Ticketmaster in Tech City, even include social areas for workers to convene after hours.

These types of office spaces suggest a company prepared to trust its employees as responsible adults and embrace modern working practices. This way of working is exactly what graduates will have become accustomed to while at university.

The ‘Trust Trend’ is one which will only grow over coming years. You don’t have to see your staff to know they’re working hard for the business.

Continue reading on the next page for more insight on reaching graduates by harnessing colours, tools and facilities.

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