Katie Cliff, Recruitment Consultant

Katie Cliff from Hallmark has used Yorkshire Graduates to recruit into a wide range of roles, from their Graduate Programme through to immediate vacancies within Marketing, Creative and IT.

"The website's really easy to use and very cost effective," says Katie. "We also have a dedicated account manager, John, who has worked with us to help develop our profile on the site and draw attention to the exciting opportunities for graduates we offer across a whole range of business areas."

Hallmark strongly believes that by recruiting graduates into the business and developing talent, they will continue to be the world leaders in personal expression products.

"There's a real focus on development at Hallmark, whether that's within a particular field or gaining experience across a number of disciplines," says Katie. "There is the commitment and support for every individual to grow and develop their career so we can continue to nurture, retain and develop talent and grow the future leaders of Hallmark.

"As well as exciting opportunities and excellent prospects, graduates joining Hallmark get to benefit from the great location of our head office. A former stately home based on a 60 acre site with green areas and protected woodland around us AND Bradford and Leeds only a short distance away. I think that summarises what's great about working in Yorkshire - all the benefits of the city with stunning scenery and open spaces close by too!"

Jenna Silke, Hallmark Graduate Scheme

Jenna studied at the University of Manchester and found out about Yorkshire Graduates from searching the web for ‘jobs in Leeds'.

"I found Yorkshire Graduates's website really easy to navigate and there's a wide variety of jobs on offer," says Jenna. "The jobs are also categorised by sector, which makes the job search easier."

Jenna applied for the Hallmark graduate scheme after seeing the job advertised online.

"The graduate scheme at Hallmark's great. You get the opportunity to work in different areas and find out what role suits you best. Also, you won't have a ‘day-in-day-out' routine; you're always kept on your toes which is pretty exciting!"

Jenna lives in Leeds and commutes to Hallmark's head office just outside Bradford. "The people are really friendly, hard working and down to earth in Yorkshire. There is a really young vibe about people, maybe because of the large Universities. I'm originally from Manchester and have been made very welcome!"

Andrew Downs, Hallmark Graduate Scheme

Andrew also joined Hallmark Cards' graduate scheme after finding about the role from Yorkshire Graduates. He signed up for Jobs-by-Email which meant he was kept updated with all the latest jobs posted online without having to visit the site everyday.

"Having lived in London for the past twelve months Yorkshire is a breath of fresh air, literally!" says Andrew. "It's not as busy, you can get around a lot easier and it's cheaper. Leeds is a great up and coming city with loads of potential. The countryside's not too far away too, should you want to escape the bright lights of the city."