By Shola Adenekan

Today's graduates face a tougher time finding the ideal role than their predecessors, with recent studies suggesting a drop in the graduate recruitment market.

While Carl Gilleard, chief executive of the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR), believes the future remains bright for degree-holders, he admits graduates face more of a challenge in job-hunting.

"There is no substitute for hard work and having a degree in itself is no longer a guarantee of a meal ticket.

"The graduate job market has grown, become more diverse and, to some extent, less predictable."

According to Hobson's Student Barometer, 55% of UK students in 2002 thought they would find it difficult to get a graduate job; the figure has already increased to 61% this year.

First steps

The transition from university to demanding and rewarding employment may not necessarily be a seamless one that occurs within weeks of graduation.

So, what should a graduate job-seeker do in order to get on a career ladder?

Anne-Marie Martin, director at University of London Career Service says the first step is to generate some ideas around the areas that you might like to work in.

"This could mean assessing your own preferences and aptitudes as well as conducting some research into what is involved in particular jobs," she said.

"Be aware of where you want to go and be prepared to work towards getting there through a myriad different ways."

Career advisers say job-seekers also have to attend as many job fairs as possible.

Fairs are now regularly held at major universities and cities. They present an ideal opportunity to speak to potential employers as well as work experience and further study providers in person.

However, Richard Maynard, a director at Birmingham University Career Centre, says it is important that job-seekers research the visiting organisations in advance instead of just turning up.

"Don't waste valuable time at a fair queuing to have your CV checked - do that before hand," he said.

"Show an enthusiasm and an interest in the jobs and the people who hold them."

Career fairs generally reflect the economic realities so very few will have heaps of media jobs. There will be retailing, public sector etc.

There are also opportunities to make valuable contacts that might lead to interviews and get clear impressions of the people you might have to work with.

Temporary administrative work is another way into your dream job.

Not only does it provides an opportunity for you to embark on some hands-on investigation to help you decide which sectors and types of corporate cultures best suit you, but it also increases your ability to adapt to different working environment.

100% committed

Rebecca Fardoe, 22, graduated in 2001 with a degree in Economics and Management from London's Brunel University.

Unsure of the next move, she started a postgraduate certificate in education course straight after graduation but left midway through.

"I discovered that to be a good teacher you must be 100% committed to education," she says.

"This was something I didn't have my heart in and so rather than be an awful teacher I decided on temping in the hope that it would point me in the right direction."

After six months temping at a high street bank she was recently offered a permanent position as an account assistant with a blue-chip company.

"I think that this new job is a step in the right direction. It will give me the opportunities to learn new skills, become part of a large organisation and prove myself."

Work placements

In a competitive jobs market, those with work placement experience often have an important edge as Lynsey Pamment, 23, discovered.

She undertook two six-month placements whilst studying for a Business Economics degree at Brunel University.

"I decided to do a placement option as I thought it would give me good experience in the work force and that it would also help put the theoretical knowledge I was gaining into a practical work environment," she says.

"When I left university it was at the time where the financial markets were making lots of people redundant. My experience gave me an advantage above the rest of the graduates as I had a year experience in the financial industry."