Worse beginners are found in the front line

The coming months will be much sensitive to young graduates. All surveys show: the use of frames is heavily degraded and the situation is unlikely to improve in the short term. Worse, beginners are found in the front line. "The situation is even more difficult for them that enterprises tend, today, to focus on experienced profiles," observed Pierre Lamblin, Director of research at Apec.

Of course, for the time being, anxiety is not development on the campus. The placement of the 2008 promotion took place without major problems. It is also true that schools and universities unite for placing their graduates. Of course, the crisis felt its effects: research times to elongate, the CSD multiply, hiring before the date of graduation are more scarce. "Several industrial aviation us have warned that they would limit their recruitment, said Olivier Fourure, Director General of the Isae (1) in Toulouse.". But the Outlook in the medium and long term are such in our sectors that we are not concerned. "Is that a major change has occurred: the first employment of graduates, it is as nearly guaranteed in a number of schools, has ceased to be. For schools, it is for the moment, the most visible impact of the crisis.

The diploma, a relative Sesame

But the worst is perhaps to come. Already observed Afij (Association to promote the employability of the graduates), "many young people, graduates in 2008, are in competition with graduates of 2009, holders of"cool"degrees".And the situation could not arrange with the arrival, beginning in April-May 2010, a new promotion. Station to the telescoping, on a sluggish job market.

A few positive signals appear yet. First, reboot - very progressive, it is true - the economy should eventually boost recruitment. Then, the massive retirements will continue to play the role of damper. Note finally that the recruiters have not deserted campus, far from it. "From the previous edition, in 2007, we will have this year as companies ten less", said an official of the forum of central Paris. And the HRD continue to focus on the graduates of the listed channels. Result is academics which may bear the costs of the environment.

In this context, how to behave What strategy to adopt First point: do not lose sight that companies more that ever, have the choice between the candidates. And, therefore, that they don't just sort of diplomas, but recruit all personalities. "Many young candidates think that the degree is the difference." "Error: the diploma is a prerequisite, but it is the personality and motivation to dig the gap", said Stéphane Roussel, HRD to the Vivendi group. "More than parchment, we look at how candidates behave", confirms Guillaume Beque, HRD of HR Access. And in this area, the requirements have clearly increased: companies want to take any risk.

Prospect as soon as possible

Then, should go as soon as possible. Is it essential to learn about the labour market, on firms to recruit on the trades. As Pierre Lamblin: "Is among those who have begun to explore later found the highest proportion of graduates in job search." "Our students are well aware of the situation, for his part observed François Bonvalet, Director of Reims Management School.". They understood that they must adapt to the new situation.