Graduate Success Stories

Name: Suyanthan
Degree: Software Engineering
New Job Title: Associate Software Engineer

The Brief
GRB were approached by a world leading London-based management consultancy in March as they found themselves with a large deficit in their requirements for technical graduates. They found out about GRB through membership of a professional association which led to a recommendation. They had a large number of technical development roles that had to be filled by a strict deadline and the technical consulting team at GRB stepped in to help. They had 90 roles and were planning to use agencies to fill about 10% of these roles. However due to high calibre graduates on our books and our 13 years experience in graduate recruitment, within three months GRB had successfully filled 22 of these roles, nearly 25%.

The Results
One candidate, Suyanthan, had been searching for work for a year and had been struggling hugely to find suitable graduate work due to the recession, lack of work experience and little confidence. He found himself trapped in a role with a supermarket stacking shelves and had his confidence knocked by repeated rejection letters. He tentatively applied to the role through the GRB website and the consultant gave him an in depth phone screen to assess his suitability. It was decided by the consultant and candidate that he would be put forward for the position as the consultant could see his potential.

The company asked to conduct an interview, which Suyanthan was delighted about but extremely nervous. The consultant gave him lots of advice on the best way to prepare for the interview and the kind of research he should do which gave Suyanthan a boost to his confidence and he was able to secure himself a second interview. Suyanthan was still extremely nervous but the consultant was able to quell this with time spent on the phone finding out what caused the nerves and helped him overcome them. He went into the interview confident that he was the right candidate and that it was the right role for him. It worked because he got a job offer!

With the help of GRB both the client and candidates are happy to have quotas filled and careers to start. In Suyanthan's case it not only gave him the chance to build a successful career in a job he wanted with a company he wanted to join but also helped his family out as it has allowed his father to retire.

The Graduate Experience
I graduated in Software Engineering at City University London in June 2009. Since then, I submitted my CV to various recruitment agencies and one of them was GRB. The other agencies were not very helpful but GRB stood out. For instance other agencies didn't seem to listen and would repeatedly enquire about my work experience despite having clearly stated in my CV that I was a fresh graduate. GRB staff, especially Aleks who carefully analysed my CV, only picked me for suitable positions that matched my degree and abilities perfectly and then coached me every step of the way.

In addition, GRB were extremely helpful and were very prompt in communicating with me as to how I should handle myself in the telephone interview and face to face interview for the role. Some of the tips I received from GRB were invaluable. I will honestly say that if not for the helpful assistance that was given to me by GRB I would never have got the position I did.

Confidence was my main enemy! Even though I gained a first class degree, I didn't have that much confidence and as it was all new to me I felt out of my depth with regard to job interviews but GRB gave me great tips and support throughout my interview process. For instance, the first round interview was over the phone and I wasn't sure how to prepare for it, but Aleks explained to me in detail about the company, how to prepare, what other candidates had said about the process and suggested some online and offline resources to research. I just focused on what I was advised and I easily passed my 1st and the 2nd round interviews to land the job.

Name: Pooja
Degree: Economics And Finance
New Job Title: Graduate Consulting Programme
"I have to be honest with you, I think GRB are BRILLIANT!!! I spoke with Steve and Ian and both were so fantastic, I couldn't have asked for anything more. They always gave me constructive feedback, found areas that I could've improved on, worked through all my nerves and issues before each interview, gave really clear and in depth advice about the company and the role and really spent a lot of time prepping me for all four stages of the selection process. They always called back when they said they would and I knew that if I had any questions, they would always be only a phone call away. If GRB do annual bonuses, then Steve and Ian deserve £millions!! (And plus they're super cool and funny).

I always get lots of emails from GRB about potential jobs which is really helpful and the different graduate tips of the week is also another feature I really like! I am literally a walking-talking-GRB advert because I tell all my friends constantly to sign up to your website. I only graduated last summer so most of my friends are still looking for work and I know lots of them have signed up now. If you need anything else, please don't hesitate to contact me, I'll always help GRB. Thanks so much for all the help and I (finally) am starting my amaaazing new dream job in 2 weeks!!!"

Name: Duncan
Degree: Chemical Engineering
New Job Title: Graduate Chemical Process Engineer
"The service I received from you has been fantastic. You were thorough and extremely helpful (especially when the nerves set in). I have absolutely no faults with the service. Thanks once again"

Name: Richard
Degree: Physics
New Job Title: Graduate Risk Analyst
"Your agency found me a fantastic job and lined up another interview for another excellent position within just a couple of days, so all I have to say is thanks."

Name: Leah
Degree: Business Information Systems
New Job Title: Graduate Business Support Analyst
"My whole experience of GRB has been excellent, helpful, friendly staff and great roles on offer. Thanks to everyone who helped me!"

Name: Hannah
Degree: Management
New Job Title: Graduate Retail Management Trainee
"The Graduate Recruitment Bureau opened my eyes to huge opportunities that I had initially overlooked. This is the main reason that I would recommend the service; their ability to understand an applicant's skills and make recommendations is second to none. Had I been applying on my own, it is quite likely I would have missed out on this opportunity.

In addition to this, the helpful and friendly nature of the consultants makes the process a lot easier; in particular being able to ask advice and practice interview questions was invaluable to me. Once again, the daunting element of looking for a graduate role on your own is eliminated because of the knowledge and support offered by the Graduate Recruitment Bureau.

I would definitely recommend their services to any graduate looking for work."

Name: Matthew
Degree: Physics
New Job Title: Technology Management Trainee
"On the whole the support provided was excellent. I was taken through the criteria for the first interview process. The advice received from the GRB was very relevant and prepared me well for the tests and one-one interview. The preparation received for the assessment centre was faultless. In particular the competency based questions were very helpful in the 1hour interview, where prior preparation was vital for success. The service provided by the GRB has helped me a great deal, and I've recommended their service to many of my friends and course mates."

Name: Ben
Degree: Marketing and Psychology
New Job Title: Graduate Trainee Recruitment Consultant
"I found the service from GRB to be thoroughly professional at all
stages. GRB provided excellent job specs and useful CV/interview
advice; my success in gaining two job offers is largely due to their
guidance! Thanks!"

Name: Steve
Degree: 2:1 - Computer Science
New job title: Graduate Information Systems Scheme
1. The quality of communications from your staff were second-to-none
2. The good nature of the team, their abilities to give advice and suggestions, pointers and encouragement were superb
3. I felt valued, and in the loop at every stage of the process
4. The speed at which I was contacted with news and updates regarding my application was exemplary
5. The match between my skill set and the job which I have been offered are perfect - somehow, after only a few minutes of chatting, what I wanted had been identified and the wheels put in motion to get me the job

I cannot thank your consultants enough for all the work they put in to finding my graduate job. The quality of their work is a great asset to your business.

I also hope that the fact that I've recommended your service to everyone who will listen proves how highly I rate the experience as a whole. In all honesty, its been one of the easiest processes (and best 2 minute forms) I've ever been though.

Its clear that with staff such as those I've been in contact with, GRB will only continue to go from strength to strength.

Best Regards,

Steve

Name: Hiten
Degree: Information Management and Business Information - Msc - Merit
New job title: Graduate Management Trainee
"I'll keep this short and sweet. Fresh out of uni, you were the first job agency I joined. You sent me loads of relevant vacancies, for which I applied to. Got my first interview and secured the job! I think you were a good help, and gave me a personal yet professional service. Thanks very much."

Name: Ollie
Degree: 1^st - Physics
New job title: Safety Consultant
"In all honesty, I have not a bad word to say about my experience with GRB. The Consultant who dealt with me, was at all times very friendly, helpful and informative. The other people that I spoke to (albeit briefly) were courteous and polite. I would like to thank you all for making the process of job-hunting (which can be a nightmare) as pain-free and easy as possible."

Name : Emma
Degree : Business Management
New Job Title : Field Sales Executive

"My GRB consultant and his team have been consistently helpful and friendly, their ability to think outside the box has allowed me to find what so far appears to be my ideal job and for the first time in my career I am very excited about starting my new position. I have already recommended GRB to a couple of my friends and would have no hesitation in doing so in the future."

Hello,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at the GRB. I was very happy with the prompt and professional service. The consultant that I worked with prepared me very well for all the assessments and interviews I undertook.

I will be continuing to recommend the GRB to my graduate friends.

Best regards,

Mark

Name : Terri
Degree : Chemistry
New Job Title : Graduate Consultant

"The position was offered to me through the Graduate Recruitment Bureau, who offer a fantastic service. I have no doubt that you are aware of the outstanding work that they do, but I would like to add my personal recommendation for their services. Where they excel is in really matching people to the jobs they have available, so that every graduate is `fitted` to a company. In the current climate, you can feel like just applying to anything and everything, and the risk here is that you end up in a job you never really wanted in the first place. The GRB eliminates that risk, as they work so hard to find a job that is just right for you. In my case, the recruiter initially said that they didn't want to even see me for first round interview, but my contact at the GRB fought for me, and convinced them to see me. Without his commitment, I never could have got the job, and this is why the GRB provide such an amazing service."

Name : Danielle
Degree : Law
New Job Title : Trainee Recruitment Consultant

"This was the first time I had used a recruitment company. A recruitment specialist contacted me regarding my response to an advertised position almost immediately. He spent a good deal of time talking to me before deciding to forward my CV, ensuring that I was suited to the role and managing both mine and the clients expectations. He talked me through the interview process and was happy to answer my questions, pointing me in the right direction every step of the way. He was honest, open and enthusiastic throughout every stage and when I was offered the position he was genuinely happy for me. Going through the recruitment process with the specialist really gave me that extra bit of confidence I needed to secure my new job and I can only say a very big Thank You to him for that. "

Name: Amanda
Degree: B.Eng in Mechanical Engineering
"Thank you GRB for helping me find a job!!!! The consultant was very helpful and encouraging. I really appreciate the support I got, and it has made my job hunting experience less daunting. Looking forward to starting work. Would definitely recommend you to my friends."

Name: Tom
Degree: 2.1 - Business Management
New job title: Graduate Leadership Program with a global FMCG company
"Thanks a lot for all your help. I really feel like I have my dream job! The GRB have been fantastic and I will spread the word."

Name: Liz
New job title: Trainee Patent Attorney
"Many thanks once again for all of your hard work in securing me a place. I was extremely impressed by the competent manner in which you handled my application and thought that you provided an unparalleled level of support throughout the entire process. I'll definitely be recommending the GRB to any friends who are looking for work (I'll even make it my Facebook tagline)"

Name: James
Degree: 2.1 - Business Adminstration and Politics
New job title: Graduate Trainee role with a world leading commodities company
"I have been extremely impressed with the professional, helpful and efficient service I received from the GRB and the consultant I worked with in particular. He made every effort to keep me informed as my application progressed and thoroughly prepared me for each stage of the selection process. Compared to other recruitment agencies I have dealt with, I was extremely impressed with the highly personalised service I received, you really get the feeling that the GRB cares about its candidates as much as satisfying its client. I will be recommending the GRB to all my friends."

Name: Kathryn
Degree: 2.1 - Biochemistry
New job title: Trainee Medical Writer
"I didn't really have a chance to say this properly before, as I was still a little shocked (in a good way) about getting the job, but THANK-YOU SO MUCH for all your help!! GRB have been absolutely brilliant. I'm really looking forward to starting. Thanks again"

Name: Simon
Degree: 2.1 - Electronic and Computer Engineering
New job title: Graduate Test Engineer
"After several months of applying to various graduate programmes with big companies I was beginning to get very frustrated with my lack of success. I signed up with GRB before Christmas and within a week was receiving relevant and interesting job specifications. After discussing the right job for me, I was given good, company specific, interview advice before both my phone and first stage interview. I got the job and started work the next week. I'm now two weeks in and I'm very pleased with my choice."

Name: Stuart
Degree: Masters in Physics
New job title: Technology Consultant
"The GRB reviewed my CV and drew my attention to vacancies based on my key skills. This was great as they only sent me details of vacancies they knew I would be interested in, which cannot be said of many recruitment agenices. The GRB run a personal service and it was nice to have a regular person to speak to. The GRB involve themselves at every stage of the process, from first contact through to interview advice and company background."

Name: Alison
Degree: MSC Mathematics
New job role: Software Support Analyst
"I found GRB very helpful in my search for work. They took a record of what type of jobs I was interested in and sent me e-mails of relevant job suggestions. Whenever I decided to follow up a job I was given the information I required about the company and they were happy to act as an intermediary with the company in order to negotiate details such as travel expenses. The recruitment consultant concerned contacted me both before and after my interview in order to give me last minute tips and to discuss my performance and thoughts on the company. This gave me the opportunity to talk over any issues I had in order that they might be resolved. I was able to discuss my options with GRB in the same way as I could with friends and relatives with the advantages that GRB knew the job market and the current recruitment processes."

Name: Jenny
Degree: BSC Biology
New job role: Marketing Research Assistant
"After signing up I got sent weekly bulletins containing relevant jobs. It gave me an opportunity to see jobs that weren't widely advertised and an idea of the kind of posts that were out there. The staff were encouraging and friendly and helped sorting out the practical details of interviews and even pay negotiation."

Name: Andrew
Degree: BA Business Studies & Information Management 2:1
New job role: Marketing Research Assistant
"The GRB sent details of vacancies which matched my preferences, when I liked the sound of one I let them know - GRB liaised between me and the employer, arranging interviews, pushing for feedback and keeping me updated on what the employer thought of the process as a whole. I really liked the fact that it was a very personal service."