If you are about to go to college or have graduated and are about to apply for a job, then a recruitment expert has a few words of advice.

In a speech yesterday to the Hamilton Rotary club, headhunter Louisa Bussey discussed the relationship between companies currently looking to expand their workforce, and graduates fresh out of school.

Ms Bussey, a senior executive recruiter for the Bermuda-based James Partnership said: "Graduates are preferred because they are fresh out of university, young, eager, and already in learning mode. They can be groomed and trained to be whatever company's want them to be."

She said rather than hire experienced staff either from Bermuda or overseas, it is better value for money to hire local graduates.

Ms Bussey added companies like banks, public relations firms or recruitment companies all consider taking on graduates, no matter how small or large the operation.

She also pointed out there are a number of things prospective employers look for. Having a degree is important, but the nature of the degree is also key.

"For the reinsurance industry, maths, statistics, some kind of quantitative degree, or an involvement with numbers is best. For a public relations position, English or marketing might work."

With the vast amount of choices available to today's university student, Ms Bussey recommended students aim for a well-rounded course spread in their area of specialisation. She also noted that just having a diploma or degree does not guarantee one a job.

Recruiters and employers "are looking for a dynamic personality, an aura of confidence. They have got to interview well," said Ms Bussey.

"We've had people who look fantastic on paper, but when we meet it's disappointing. They have to stand out."

The best way for a graduate to market themselves is to have a great resume.

"Make sure the relevant work experience is there," she added.

The most attractive graduates to the reinsurance field might for example have had summer jobs at the Bank of Bermuda or XL.

She also recommended job seekers explain exactly what their degree encompasses.

She also recommended that job seekers write to companies, "but not just a 'Dear Sir/Madam, I want a job' kind of letter. It has got to be punchy."

Kammy Smith, who has worked with Ms Bussey since January 2003 said "young Bermudian graduates can be a good part of any company. We are the future of Bermuda. Give us a chance".

Managing director of The James Partnership, Mrs. Britt Reiss, told Rotarians some graduates such as Kammy do get lucky.

"Even human resources degrees won't guarantee you a job anymore. Not every company has a human resources department. And there are lots of people happy in their jobs, and (they) aren't going anywhere."

Mrs. Reiss said: "it is important to find out which universities your potential employer prefers. A few years ago, all that mattered was to have a degree. Now, companies look at subjects, then what university.

"Some big-shot Americans come around and they went to Harvard and they want everyone who works for them to go to Harvard.

"Bermudians are competing with Bermudians now, not Bermudians with non-Bermudians as it once was."

Ms Bussey and Mrs. Reiss also recommended job hunters take advantage of the Bermuda Careers Centre's website: www.bdacareers.bm.