Graduate recruitment and selection: implications for HE, graduates and small business recruiters

This final article in a series of three provides an interpretation of the research findings reported in the second article against the conceptual models described in the first. This provides support for the view that HEIs have a role in developing both “self‐awareness” and “opportunity awareness” within undergraduates to support their ability to demonstrate employability in a changing labour market. As part of this, a focus on providing opportunities to develop transferable skills through the curriculum of degree programmes is argued to be appropriate and some examples are given. Suggested actions for students and SMEs, as well as HEIs, are included to respond to the changing nature of graduate careers. Areas of further research are identified, and a conceptual model to inform such research is offered.