A Glimpse into the UK’s Graduate Job Dilemma

The Floodgate of Applications: A Stark Reality

The UK’s graduate job market is in a state of crisis. With an ever-growing number of graduates entering the workforce each year, competition has intensified to unprecedented levels. At Perspectv, an AI-driven talent-matching platform, we recently witnessed this reality firsthand. After posting just five new graduate roles, we were flooded with over 700 applications per position in less than a week.

While this might seem like a testament to our appeal, it reflects a deeper issue within the UK job market: a surge in demand for limited graduate opportunities. For one position—Graduate Data Scientist—an astonishing 1,646 candidates applied. This overwhelming response paints a picture of desperation in a job market that is increasingly stacked against recent graduates.

The Graduate Job Crisis: Desperation or Determination?

The flood of applications we received at Perspectv is not an isolated event. Across the UK, graduates are scrambling to secure positions, often applying for hundreds of jobs in the hope that one will stick. While their determination is commendable, it also highlights the growing imbalance between the number of graduates and available roles.

In recent years, the UK has seen a surge in higher education participation. According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), the 2021/2022 academic year produced over 800,000 graduates—a 10% increase from the previous year. Despite this increase, the number of entry-level positions has not kept pace, leaving many recent graduates with few options.

This has led to a highly competitive job market, where graduates, armed with degrees and skills, find themselves struggling to secure jobs that match their qualifications. In fact, a recent study by the Institute of Student Employers (ISE) found that 49% of graduates had applied for over 30 jobs each, with many receiving few or no responses. This disparity is particularly stark in fields like data science, technology, and finance, where job postings can attract thousands of applicants.

The Rise of Graduate Underemployment

While graduate unemployment in the UK stands at 5%, underemployment remains a significant issue. More than 1 in 3 recent graduates are working in non-graduate roles, which often offer lower wages and limited career progression. This has contributed to widespread frustration, with many graduates feeling that their hard-earned degrees are not yielding the expected return on investment.

A survey by Graduate Outcomes revealed that 37% of graduates who were employed six months after graduation felt overqualified for their roles. This is particularly concerning in sectors such as hospitality and retail, where recent graduates make up a significant portion of the workforce but are often working in roles unrelated to their field of study.

The Role of Technology in Balancing the Labour Market

Given the current state of the graduate job market, technology-driven platforms like Perspectv have a critical role to play in bridging the gap between talent and opportunity. Data-powered matching systems can help ensure that graduates are connected with roles that align with their skills and aspirations, reducing the mismatch that is currently prevalent in the market.

At Perspectv, our platform is designed to not only match candidates with relevant job opportunities but to also advocate for a more balanced labour market. By leveraging data, we aim to give both employers and candidates the tools they need to make informed decisions, ensuring that the recruitment process is more efficient and equitable.

10 Strategies for Graduates to Get Noticed by Recruiters and Employers

What should graduates do if they’re not getting noticed by recruiters or employers?

If graduates aren’t getting noticed by recruiters or employers, there are several strategies they can adopt to increase their visibility and improve their chances of landing a job:

1. Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter for Each Job

Why: Many graduates use the same generic CV for multiple applications. Recruiters are looking for specific skills and experiences that align with the job description.
What to do: Tailor your CV and cover letter for each application. Highlight relevant skills, qualifications, and experiences that match the job requirements. Use keywords from the job description, as many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter candidates.

2. Build a Strong Online Presence

Why: Many employers will research candidates online before making a decision. A lack of online presence or an incomplete LinkedIn profile can hurt your chances.
What to do: Optimise your LinkedIn profile by listing your skills, experience, and achievements. Share articles, comment on industry discussions, and engage with professionals in your field. Building an online presence on platforms like LinkedIn, Medium, or industry-specific forums can help you stand out.

3. Network and Attend Industry Events

Why: Networking can significantly increase your chances of being noticed. Many job opportunities arise from personal connections, and not all jobs are advertised publicly.
What to do: Attend job fairs, webinars, and industry-related events, both in person and virtually. Engage with professionals, ask for advice, and connect with them on LinkedIn. Sometimes, being proactive and building relationships can lead to job opportunities.

4. Gain Experience through Internships or Volunteer Work

Why: If you’re struggling to get your first full-time role, gaining relevant experience through internships or volunteering can boost your CV and make you more attractive to employers.
What to do: Seek internships, part-time roles, or volunteer opportunities in your field. Even unpaid roles can help you gain valuable skills and establish connections that could lead to full-time employment.

5. Leverage Job-Matching Platforms

Why: Platforms that use AI and data-driven algorithms to match candidates with relevant roles can help you get noticed by the right employers.
What to do: Use job-matching platforms like Perspectv or other specialised recruitment platforms that cater to your industry. These platforms often have tools to help you enhance your profile and make it more visible to potential employers.

6. Consider Upskilling or Taking Short Courses

Why: If you’re not getting noticed, it may be because you lack certain skills that employers are looking for.
What to do: Identify in-demand skills in your field and pursue short courses, certifications, or online training to boost your skill set. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning offer a wide range of professional courses that can make your CV stand out.

7. Be Proactive in Your Job Search

Why: Sometimes it’s not enough to simply apply for jobs and wait for a response. Being proactive can help you get ahead of the competition.
What to do: Follow up on your applications with a polite email or LinkedIn message. Consider reaching out directly to hiring managers or recruiters to express your interest in the role. Show initiative by offering to discuss how your skills align with the company’s needs.

8. Seek Feedback on Your Applications

Why: If you’re repeatedly not being noticed, there could be an issue with your CV, cover letter, or interview technique.
What to do: Ask for feedback from recruiters or employers when possible. If you’re getting interviews but not offers, request specific feedback on how you can improve. Consider having your CV or cover letter reviewed by a career coach or mentor.

9. Use a Profile Boosting Service

Why: Some job platforms offer premium services that boost your profile visibility to employers, increasing your chances of being noticed.
What to do: Consider using a profile-boosting service if you’re applying through platforms that offer this option. For example, services that allow you to feature your CV at the top of employer searches can help you stand out from other candidates.

10. Stay Positive and Persistent

Why: The job search process can be disheartening, but persistence is key. Every rejection is an opportunity to learn and improve.
What to do: Stay consistent in your job applications, keep refining your approach, and maintain a positive mindset. Rejection is part of the process, but with persistence, you’ll eventually find the right opportunity.

By taking these steps, graduates can improve their chances of being noticed by recruiters and employers, making their job search more effective and targeted.

Graduate Jobs: The Bigger Picture

The graduate job dilemma is not just a problem for job seekers; it’s a challenge for employers, educators, and policymakers alike. With the UK’s economy still recovering from the effects of the pandemic and Brexit, it’s clear that new solutions are needed to address the imbalance in the labour market.

Investment in Emerging Sectors: Industries like data science, healthcare, technology, and green energy are growing rapidly and represent significant opportunities for graduates. However, these sectors often require specialised skills that many graduates lack, suggesting a need for better alignment between education and the demands of the workforce.
Graduate Salaries: According to a report by High Fliers Research, the median starting salary for UK graduates in 2023 is £30,000—a notable increase from previous years, particularly in sectors like investment banking, consulting, and tech. However, industries like charities and education continue to offer lower starting salaries, averaging around £23,000. The disparity between sectors highlights the need for graduates to target industries that align with their career and financial goals.
Regional Disparities: While London remains a hub for graduate employment, offering higher salaries and more opportunities, regions outside the capital struggle to attract and retain top talent. A study by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that graduates in the North East and South West of England are more likely to be underemployed compared to those in London and the South East.

The Path Forward: Advocating for Change

It’s clear that today’s graduates face a more challenging job market than ever before. As someone at the forefront of the job-matching industry, I believe that our role must extend beyond simply connecting candidates with roles. We need to be advocates for a more balanced labour market—one where graduates have access to quality opportunities that match their ambitions.

At Perspectv, we are committed to initiating conversations about the need for more graduate-specific roles across the UK. We believe that employers, educators, and policymakers must work together to ensure that today’s graduates are not left behind. After all, they represent the future of our workforce, and we owe them more than a tough, discouraging start.

10 Most In-Demand Graduate Jobs for 2024

Despite the challenges in the UK’s job market, certain sectors are seeing strong demand for fresh talent. Here are the 10 most in-demand graduate jobs for 2024, based on recent industry trends:

Data Scientist – With the explosion of data, companies need graduates who can analyse and interpret complex data sets.
Software Developer – The demand for app and web developers continues to rise, especially with the growth of tech startups.
Digital Marketer – As businesses shift further into the digital space, graduates with skills in SEO, content creation, and social media marketing are in high demand.
Healthcare Professional – Nurses, physiotherapists, and healthcare administrators remain vital, especially as the healthcare sector evolves post-pandemic.
Cybersecurity Analyst – With increased focus on online security, graduates with cybersecurity expertise are sought after across industries.
Renewable Energy Engineer – As the world shifts towards green energy, engineers specialising in sustainable technologies are highly valued.
UX/UI Designer – As customer experience becomes more crucial for business success, demand for user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) designers is booming.
Investment Banker – Despite economic uncertainty, roles in finance and banking, particularly investment banking, continue to offer attractive starting salaries.
Supply Chain Manager – The logistics and supply chain sectors are rapidly expanding, requiring fresh graduates to help streamline operations.
Teacher/Educator – Education remains a steady field, with demand for teachers in STEM subjects and special education growing year by year.

Conclusion: The Future of Graduate Employment

The data is clear: the UK’s graduate job market is highly competitive and, in many cases, deeply frustrating for those entering the workforce. However, there is hope. With the right support from employers, policymakers, and recruitment platforms like Perspectv, we can begin to create a more equitable job market—one that provides graduates with the opportunities they deserve.

In the end, today’s graduates are tomorrow’s leaders, and we owe them the promise of a future that matches their potential.

Recent Data on Graduate Employment:

800,000+ graduates entered the UK workforce in 2021/2022, a 10% increase from the previous year (HESA).
5% graduate unemployment rate, but 37% feel overqualified for their roles (Graduate Outcomes Survey).
Investment banking offers the highest graduate starting salaries at £47,000, while charities and education average £23,000 (High Fliers Research).
Data science, tech, and healthcare are rapidly growing sectors but require more specialised skills for entry.

Industry Insights

UK Graduate Job Dilemma