Spotting the best graduates for social care jobs can be easy if businesses understand how to do it, according to one expert.

Cited on Open.ac.uk, Donna Miller claimed that as there are around 340,000 graduates seeking employment, companies may find it tricky to weed out the key talent.

However, she said there are some things to bear in mind that will help sort the wheat from the chaff. Miller claimed: "Work experience and internships will often make a candidate stand out.

"Unpaid volunteering highlights graduates with a social conscience and proactive work ethic, [and you should] look for evidence that the graduate knows at least something about your business."

Miller also cited professionalism and a demonstrated use of initiative as good indicators that a graduate is ready to work. She added: "The most promising recruits are usually those who really made an effort."

Furthermore, the expert advised businesses on Managementtoday.co.uk that they shouldn't discount a candidate simply because they hold less than a 2:1. Instead, it can be good to check if the person is a "well-rounded individual", unless the role requires specific technical abilities.

Miller concluded by suggesting businesses take motivation into account when sifting through graduates. "If you ask graduates 'why do you want to work here?' they should have a real answer.

"They might not yet be thinking in terms of a lifelong career, but they should at least know why they've chosen your company."