Navigating the transition from education to employment can be a defining moment in a graduate’s career. London, as a global business hub, offers countless opportunities but finding the right role can be overwhelming without expert guidance.
That’s where graduate recruitment companies step in, bridging the gap between top talent and industry-leading employers. In this guide, we explore the leading graduate recruitment companies in London, what they offer, and how they can support new graduates in launching successful careers.
What Makes a Graduate Recruitment Company the Best in London?
Industry Reputation and Client Network
Top graduate recruitment firms in London often maintain strong relationships with prestigious employers across various sectors. Their reputation is built over years of successful placements, employer trust, and consistent candidate satisfaction.
Graduate-Focused Services
A company dedicated to graduates will offer services tailored to first-time job seekers, including CV writing workshops, mock interviews, and one-to-one coaching. This level of support sets apart specialised agencies from general recruiters.
High Placement Success Rates
The best recruitment agencies boast impressive placement rates. They often measure success not just by employment but by retention ensuring candidates are placed in roles where they can thrive.
How Do Graduate Recruitment Agencies in London Help Recent Graduates?
Personalised Career Matching
Recruiters assess a graduate’s strengths, qualifications, and aspirations to match them with the most suitable opportunities streamlining the job search and reducing the likelihood of poor fit.
Professional Readiness Support
Many agencies provide soft skills development, including communication training and workplace etiquette, helping graduates become workplace-ready from day one.
Access to Hidden Opportunities
Recruiters often have access to unadvertised roles. Their inside knowledge of employer needs gives graduates a competitive advantage in the job market.
Which are the top 10 graduate recruitment companies in London?
1. Give A Grad A Go – “Where Graduate Ambitions Meet Career Opportunities”
Give A Grad A Go has established itself as a go-to agency for connecting graduates with dynamic startups and fast-growth businesses. Founded in 2009, the agency has placed thousands of candidates into roles across digital marketing, finance, sales, and technology.
What makes them unique is their people-first approach they focus on the aspirations of each graduate and match them with roles that offer development, culture fit, and progression. They also publish salary guides, job-seeking resources, and regularly feature market insights for job hunters.
Area of Expertise
Startup and Scale-up Placements
Tailored For
Ambitious graduates looking for high-growth environments
Pricing: Free for candidates
- Website: giveagradago.com
- Phone: +44 020 7100 8800
- Address: Gainsborough Studios, South Studio D, 1 Poole St, London N1 5EE
- Email: grad@giveagradago.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“Professional and incredibly supportive throughout the hiring process. They helped me secure my first marketing job within two weeks!”
2. Inspiring Interns & Graduates – “Your Video CV Advantage Starts Here”
Inspiring Interns revolutionised the graduate job market with their signature video CV format. Specialising in internships and graduate placements, they partner with over 3,000 employers across London.
Their model appeals to creative and tech-savvy candidates who want to stand out. Aside from internships, they also offer full-time roles and graduate schemes. Their consultants are known for offering personalised advice and quick turnaround in placements.
Niche Focus
Internships and Creative Careers
Ideal Candidate
Graduates looking for short-term experience or creative roles
Pricing: Free for candidates
- Website: inspiringinterns.com
- Phone: +44 07970 886465
- Address: 127 Farringdon Rd, London, EC1R 3DA
- Email: talia@inspiringinterns.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“The video CV service made all the difference—I received interviews within days of signing up.”
3. Graduate Recruitment Bureau (GRB) – “Expert Placement for Future Leaders”
Based in Brighton but serving London extensively, GRB is one of the UK’s most established graduate recruitment firms. With over 20 years in the industry, they specialise in graduate jobs within finance, technology, data science, and engineering.
They work closely with companies like IBM, PwC, and Unilever. GRB’s strength lies in their depth of understanding of both the academic and corporate landscapes, offering long-term guidance even post-placement.
Core Strength
STEM and Data-Driven Roles
Top Picks For
Analytical thinkers and quantitative graduates
Pricing: Free for candidates
- Website: grb.uk.com
- Phone: +44 (0)1273 325775
- Address: 4 Clifton Mews Clifton Hill Brighton BN1 3HR
- Email: info@grb.uk.com
Review: ★★★★★
“They found a data analyst role for me that aligned perfectly with my degree. Professional and knowledgeable throughout.”
4. Instant Impact – “From Graduate to Game Changer”
Instant Impact connects graduates with fast-growing businesses that prioritise innovation and agility. Their focus is not just on filling roles, but on helping companies build long-term talent pipelines.
Candidates receive individual coaching and gain exposure to high-impact roles early in their careers. While their head office is in London, they place graduates nationwide in roles with a strong career trajectory.
Special Focus
Startup Talent Solutions
Best Suited To
Graduates interested in hands-on experience and impact roles
Pricing: Free for candidates
- Website: instant-impact.com
- Phone: +44 020 3762 2134
- Address: 2 Stephen St, London W1T 1AN
- Email: candidates@instant-impact.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“I was placed in a business development role at a fintech startup couldn’t be happier with the experience.”
5. Sanctuary Graduates – “Recruitment Backed by University Networks”
Sanctuary Graduates partners directly with top universities to source the best graduate talent. They work with major employers in finance, law, consultancy, and tech, offering a seamless transition from education to employment. Their relationships with student societies and university career centres make them a trusted name in graduate hiring.
Sector Expertise
Corporate & Professional Services
Standout For
Graduates seeking structured training programs in top firms
Pricing: Free for candidates
- Website: sanctuarygraduates.co.uk
- Phone: +44 (0) 7776 847704
- Address: Suite 8, The Union Building, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1BY
- Email: students@sanctuarygraduates.co.uk
Review: ★★★★★
“Very tailored advice and great employer access. They helped me land a graduate position at a major law firm.”
6. Milkround – “The UK’s Original Graduate Job Board”
Milkround is both a job board and recruitment service platform. It hosts thousands of graduate roles across sectors, partnering with firms like KPMG, Deloitte, and HSBC. Milkround also offers career events, virtual fairs, and placement programmes. It’s one of the most visited graduate career platforms in the UK, combining resources and employer access.
Domain Specialty
High-Volume Graduate Scheme Listings
Recommended For
Graduates seeking corporate schemes or finance tracks
Pricing: Free for candidates
- Website: milkround.com
- Phone: +44 0333 014 5111
- Address: 10 Southwark Street, London, SE1 0TA
- Email: info@milkround.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“Huge variety of roles. I got into a financial analyst program after applying through Milkround.”
7. Hays Graduate Recruitment – “A Global Name, Local Expertise”
Hays is one of the world’s largest recruitment agencies and offers a specific graduate division that places candidates in entry-level positions across London. They’re known for their extensive employer network, regular job updates, and insights into sector trends. Hays also supports candidates with interview tips, market salary data, and job alerts.
Key Competency
Large-Scale Corporate Recruitment
Great Fit For
Graduates entering commercial, office, or technical roles
Pricing: Free for candidates
- Website: hays.co.uk
- Phone: +44 (0) 20 3978 2520
- Address: 4th Floor 20 Triton Street Regent’s Place London NW1 3BF
- Email: customerservice@hays.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“Got me into a well-paid business analyst role with minimal hassle. The process was fast and clear.”
8. Prospects – “Informed Choices, Empowered Careers”
While not a recruitment agency in the traditional sense, Prospects works closely with employers to match graduates with job opportunities. Their powerful job search engine is used by thousands of UK grads daily. With in-depth job profiles, career quizzes, and application tips, Prospects helps students make informed choices.
Service Focus
Career Guidance and Employer Listings
Perfect Match For
Graduates exploring their options or switching fields
Pricing: Free for candidates
- Website: prospects.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 161 277 5200
- Address: 4 Portwall Lane, Bristol, BS1 6NB
- Email: enquiries@prospects.ac.uk
Review: ★★★☆☆
“Great for exploring options—I found a role I hadn’t considered before in research consultancy.”
9. Graduate Fasttrack – “From Campus to Career”
Graduate Fasttrack is known for its dedication to graduate sales roles and fast-paced work environments. They work with both large firms and SMEs and provide training programmes that cover sales techniques, negotiation, and leadership. Their consultants are former salespeople, bringing real-world knowledge to the table.
Core Specialty
Sales & Business Development Roles
Best Choice For
Graduates ready for performance-based careers with quick progression
Pricing: Free for candidates
- Website: graduate-fasttrack.co.uk
- Phone: +44 20 3621 810
- Address: Landmark House, Hammersmith Bridge Road, London, United Kingdom
- Email: careers@graduate-fasttrack.co.uk
Review: ★★★★☆
“The training made all the difference—landed a sales role in a FTSE 100 firm straight out of uni.”
10. BMS Performance – “Performance-Driven Graduate Success”
BMS Performance focuses on graduate recruitment in sales and marketing roles. Known for their comprehensive training sessions and employer partnerships, they place candidates in blue-chip companies and provide regular progress tracking. Their process includes behavioural assessments, ensuring the right match for both company and candidate.
Area of Focus
Graduate Sales & Marketing Careers
Ideal For
Driven, competitive graduates with strong communication skills
Pricing: Free for candidates
- Website: bmsperformance.com
- Phone: +44 0800 060 8420
- Address: The Monument, WeWork, 51 Eastcheap, London EC3M 1DT, United Kingdom
- Email: info@bmsperformance.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“They helped me break into sales and I’ve already hit my targets within 6 months. Highly recommend!”
Summary of Top Graduate Recruitment Companies in London
| Company Name | Key Sectors | Graduate Services | Website |
| Give A Grad A Go | Marketing, Tech, Finance | CV support, Job Matching, Interview Prep | giveagradago.com |
| Inspiring Interns | Startups, Marketing, Sales | Video CV, Internships, Coaching | inspiringinterns.com |
| GRB | Finance, Engineering, IT | Specialist Consultants, Interview Tips | grb.uk.com |
| Instant Impact | Startups, Scaleups | Tailored Matching, Career Advice | instant-impact.com |
| Sanctuary Graduates | Finance, Law, Tech | Employer Partnerships, Campus Recruitment | sanctuarygraduates.co.uk |
| Milkround | All Industries | Graduate Schemes, Internships | milkround.com |
| Hays Graduate Recruitment | Commercial, Office, Finance | Job Alerts, Interview Guidance | hays.co.uk |
| Prospects.ac.uk | Varied | Career Tools, Employer Listings | prospects.ac.uk |
| Graduate Fasttrack | Sales, Recruitment | Training Programs, Assessment Days | graduate-fasttrack.co.uk |
| BMS Performance | Sales, Marketing | Graduate Sales Training, Placement | bmsperformance.com |
What Types of Roles Do Graduate Recruitment Firms Typically Offer?
Graduate Schemes and Entry-Level Positions
Agencies often connect graduates with structured graduate schemes offered by major corporations. These roles provide rotation-based learning across departments with potential long-term employment.
Industry-Specific Jobs
Recruitment firms cater to niche fields including engineering, data analysis, digital marketing, fintech, HR, and healthcare making it easier for graduates to find aligned roles.
Short-Term Contracts and Internships
Some companies offer contract-based roles or internships, especially in startup environments, to help graduates gain experience and explore different sectors.
How Can Graduates Choose the Right Recruitment Agency in London?
Consider Industry Alignment
Graduates should select agencies that specialise in their chosen field. For instance, tech graduates may benefit more from agencies like Give A Grad A Go, while sales-focused candidates might prefer BMS Performance.
Read Reviews and Testimonials
Company reviews on Google Business and Trustpilot give insight into the recruiter’s responsiveness, support, and success rate.
Evaluate Support Services
Agencies offering workshops, mock interviews, and one-on-one mentoring are ideal for those entering the workforce for the first time.
Do London-based Graduate Recruitment Companies Work With International Students?
Visa-Supportive Employers
Some recruitment agencies work closely with companies willing to sponsor work visas or support Graduate Route applications. Sanctuary Graduates and GRB are known to work with international candidates.
Additional Support for Global Candidates
These firms may offer specialised services like visa consultations, language preparation, and cultural transition guidance particularly important for international graduates seeking long-term employment in the UK.
How Competitive is the Graduate Job Market in London Today?
High Demand Meets High Supply
London attracts graduates from across the UK and around the world. Competition for desirable roles is intense, especially in finance, law, and media sectors.
The Role of Recruiters in Navigating the Market
Graduate recruitment companies help candidates stand out by fine-tuning CVs, offering insider knowledge of employer expectations, and identifying high-potential roles that aren’t publicly advertised.
What Should Graduates Prepare Before Contacting a Recruitment Agency?
A Tailored CV and Cover Letter
A well-structured CV that highlights academic achievements, relevant experience, and key skills is essential. Some agencies offer templates and guidance.
Clarity on Career Goals
Knowing your preferred industry, job type, and location helps agencies find the most relevant opportunities quickly and efficiently.
Professional Readiness
Graduates should be prepared to attend interviews, assessment centres, and even psychometric tests, often within short timeframes.
How Do Recruitment Agencies in London Support Long-term Career Growth?
Skills Development and Training
Agencies like Graduate Fasttrack offer training days, while others provide ongoing mentorship, networking events, and upskilling opportunities.
Building a Professional Network
Recruitment companies act as a bridge to potential mentors, alumni groups, and hiring managers supporting graduates in developing industry connections.
Are Graduate Recruitment Services in London Free for Candidates?
Candidate-Focused Model
Most graduate recruitment firms are free for candidates. They earn commissions from employers for successful placements.
Transparency Around Fees
In rare cases, some coaching services or premium resources may be offered at a cost. Reputable agencies will always disclose any fees upfront.
Conclusion
The right graduate recruitment company can open doors to opportunity, learning, and long-term success. With expert advice, tailored career support, and access to exclusive job openings, these London-based agencies are an essential resource for new graduates.
Whether you’re aiming for the corporate world or the dynamic startup scene, these recruitment firms can help you find your place and make your mark.
FAQs About Graduate Recruitment Companies in London
What industries do most graduate recruitment companies in London serve?
Graduate recruitment firms typically cover finance, marketing, technology, sales, engineering, and legal sectors.
Can I work with multiple recruitment agencies at once?
Yes, most graduates register with more than one agency to expand their job prospects, as long as job applications aren’t duplicated.
How long does the recruitment process usually take?
Depending on the industry, placement can happen within a few days to several weeks after an interview with the recruiter.
Are remote or hybrid roles available for graduates in London?
Yes, especially in tech, marketing, and admin roles. Many agencies now list hybrid or fully remote opportunities.
Is prior experience necessary to register with these agencies?
No, these agencies specialise in placing fresh graduates and often assist with first-time job readiness.
Do graduate recruitment companies help with postgraduate roles too?
Yes, some agencies also place candidates with master’s or PhDs into specialist or research-based roles.
How can international students maximise their chances of placement?
By focusing on agencies that work with sponsoring employers and ensuring their CV and communication are aligned with UK standards.