Home topics workplace hr-and-staff Advice Hot Tips Staff Advice Five things SMEs offer graduates that corporates can’t Guest Author March 26, 2012 As a new group of graduates face the task of job-hunting, why not think about hiring one and allow them to take that first step on the ladder of their career? It could have far-reaching benefits for your business too. University graduates are not simply a cost effective labour option for businesses. They are an asset to a workplace, fresh out of university, brimming with enthusiasm and motivation. Small businesses have a lot to offer graduates which larger companies don’t have. For many graduates, salary is not the critical deciding factor with other aspects, such as training and career development, impacting their decision about where they would like to be employed. They are willing to sacrifice some pay for experience as long as they can see there is potential for growth and a path to somewhere further. This article covers what you as an SME can offer graduates looking for employment to motivate them to join your team, rather than a large corporation. When interviewing a graduate, highlight these aspects in the recruitment process to attract more candidates. 1. Greater opportunities to learn new skills While SMEs possibly can’t offer the salaries of larger companies, they have the right environment for graduates to learn a broad range of skills and gain responsibility more quickly than they would in a larger company. Graduates are looking for an environment in