Final year of university is busy: not only are students studying and working, but they’re also investing significant time applying for graduate roles.

Sabrina Rodriguez graduated law in 2021 and says final year students spend a lot of time talking together about where they’ve applied, who’s given them interviews, and what offers have come through.

“It can really test your mind-set … Thankfully, I had a strong support network throughout who were really encouraging,” says Rodriguez, who ended up choosing a role at law firm Baker McKenzie.

According to Indeed, 67 per cent of companies hired graduates in 2019. That figure fell significantly during the last two years of the pandemic, but new data indicates graduate hiring rates will slowly improve across 2022.

Indeed’s Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021 found both graduates and employers are feeling increasingly optimistic, with nearly one in two (49 per cent) graduate employers anticipating they will hire five or more graduate employees this year, compared to only 43 per cent in 2021.

As more graduate roles open up, employers will need to ensure their offer is attractive.

“Given the scope of our work and the state of our market, we are competing for talent, not only with other professional services firms but with our clients, vendors, and partners alike,” says Chief Human Resources Officer at Accenture, Sarah Kruger.

While salary is a key component of any good offer, graduates consider more than money when deciding where to start their career. Accenture has invested heavily in both technology and an improved onboarding experience – actions Kruger says led to fewer graduates turning down offers.

“Anecdotally, our grads also report that our corporate citizenship and inclusion and diversity activities are a big reason for them joining us,” Kruger says.