September - March of your Final Year

• Big companies, especially those seeking large numbers of graduates, tend to advertise their vacancies during the 1st and 2nd semesters. Companies offering graduate training schemes generally follow this pattern. Many advertise in the 1st semester and set closing dates for applications during November, December or January. As a general rule; the more popular they are, the earlier they want applications completed.
• They nearly always want you to fill out an application form, usually online. Selection by interview and an assessment centre takes place during the winter and early spring and they expect you to start work in early September.

March - Graduation and After

• The second season starts after the Easter Vacation. Jobs are with smaller companies or large ones topping up earlier recruitment, and those who only want a few graduates or just prefer to hire staff near the time they will start work. More applications are by CV, but some recruiters will still want you to fill in their own application form.

Research the practices of the sector that interests you

You can find details of companies who are particularly keen to advertise their vacancies to Surrey students and recent graduates on our Online Vacancy Service, throughout the academic year.