Graduates 'looking to the long-term'

Those looking for graduate jobs are increasingly considering their long-term options as a result of the economic slowdown, a survey has suggested.

Research by KPMG showed that university leavers are placing more emphasis on areas such as training and development rather than salary as they worry about their future prospects in the wake of the downturn.

A poll of more than 400 students found that training was cited as the most important factor for a potential employer by 43 per cent of those questioned.

Job security was ranked as most significant by 28 per cent, while salary came in third with 11 per cent.

Head of recruitment at KPMG Ruth Elwood described the findings as "striking".

"Employers need to take account of this – the economic downturn could have caused a long-lasting shift in student attitudes," she said.

Meanwhile, many graduates are taking the corporate social responsibility of employers into account when making decisions, according to Mark Catchlove from Herman Miller.