With graduate unemployment at a twelve year high, it has become important for students to be aware of what graduate recruiters are looking for in a candidate.

Aldi regional managing director and head of graduate recruitment Richard Holloway said Aldi’s main consideration when recruiting is the extracurricular skills and activities graduates can bring to the organisation alongside educational merit.

“Aldi is well-known for favouring the all-round candidate. For us, graduates who stand out from the mix are those that combine academic and non-academic skills and experiences,” he said.

“Leading a local university sports team, carrying out voluntary or charity work, having a part-time job, or going the extra mile to reach individual potential is favoured over first-class honours.”

Aldi has an engagement programme with universities throughout the UK to help identify high calibre, dedicated graduates for the opportunity to become successful Aldi area managers through its Aldi Management Programme.

It currently holds third position in the Times Top 100 Graduate Employers Survey and those selected for the Aldi Management Programme benefit from training in all aspects of retail management, from store operations through to financial administration, logistics and property management. Aldi’s market leader package includes a £40,000 starting salary, rising to £61,000 after three years, an Audi A4 and opportunities for directorship after five years and international secondment.