UK Graduates Face Tough Job Market: A CEO’s Key Tips for Success

As the CEO of Inspiring Interns, I’m deeply aware of the hurdles recent graduates in the UK are facing. The job market has become increasingly tough and frustrating for those trying to kickstart their careers. Even graduates with impressive degrees, relevant experience, and strong networks are struggling to secure positions in their desired fields.

For many of the graduates we support, the belief that a prestigious degree would seamlessly lead to a fulfilling career is starting to feel like a broken promise. The reality is that transitioning from graduation to employment is far from straightforward. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), only 60.4% of graduates aged 21-30 were in “high-skilled” jobs as of 2022. This leaves just under 40% either underemployed in lower-skilled roles (26.4%) or unemployed (5.5%).

Many graduates I’ve spoken with have had to take non-graduate jobs just to get by. They have found themselves in roles within hospitality, retail, administration, or call centres, often earning minimum wage. It is clear that even entry-level positions require a year or more of professional experience, which isn’t always possible for many; having just graduated with a full-time degree. Additionally, some have struggled to find relevant placements or could not afford low-cost internships due to the high cost of living.

At Inspiring Interns, our goal is to help bridge this gap. We are dedicated to guiding graduates through the complex and often disheartening job search process. With that in mind, I would like to offer some practical tips to help graduates navigate these challenges in a tough job market:

Broaden your job search

Exploring opportunities beyond your immediate field or industry can be highly beneficial. The skills you have developed during your degree—such as problem-solving, communication, and project management—are often applicable to a variety of roles. For example, if you have studied a humanities subject, you might find fulfilling positions in marketing, content creation, or project management, even if these areas weren’t initially on your radar.

Consider how your skills might be transferable to industries you have not yet explored. Sometimes, the ideal job might be in a sector you had not thought of before. Being open to different fields can help you uncover new career paths that align with your abilities and interests, broadening your job search and increasing your chances of finding a role that suits you.

Additionally, relocating can be a key factor in finding the right job. Moving to a new city or even a different country might seem daunting, but it can also present numerous opportunities. Some regions or countries might have a higher demand for your skills or offer better career prospects and help you stand out in a less saturated job market.

Build practical experience

Building practical experience is essential for standing out in today’s competitive job market. Internships are a fantastic starting point, as they provide hands-on experience and can enhance your CV. Even short-term or part-time internships can offer valuable insights into your chosen field and help you develop skills that are directly applicable to your career. If opportunities in your ideal industry are limited, don’t be discouraged—consider exploring internships in related fields where your skills and interests can still be relevant and beneficial. Browse our available internships here.

Volunteering is another effective way to gain practical experience and broaden your skill set. Engaging with charities or community groups allows you to work on a variety of tasks and projects, which can help you build a diverse range of skills that are valuable in the workplace. What’s more, volunteering is an excellent opportunity to expand your professional network and make connections that may become critical in your professional development.

Prepare for modern hiring processes with a Video CV

In 2009, I introduced the concept of the Video CV to address the limitations of traditional written CVs. While the latter are effective for listing qualifications and experiences that can easily be skim-read by employers, they often fall short in capturing a candidate’s personality and interpersonal skills. Recognising this gap, I developed the Video CV as a solution to offer a more dynamic way for candidates to present themselves.

While addressing their skills, experience and educational background, Video CVs give candidates the chance to convey their enthusiasm and communication abilities directly to employers. In turn, recruiters get a better sense of how you interact and whether you would be a good fit for their team, before the formal interview stage.

In today’s job market, digital proficiency has become a critical asset for job seekers. As technology continues to advance and integrate into various industries, demonstrating your ability to effectively use digital tools is no longer a plus point – it is a necessity. A video CV showcases an understanding of several digital elements: video recording, editing, and presentation. For many roles across different industries, especially those that involve digital communication, marketing, or remote work, showcasing these skills can set you apart from other candidates.

If you’re ready to make a standout Video CV and jumpstart your job search, register with us today.

Stay resilient

I completely understand that job hunting can be an incredibly challenging and sometimes, overwhelming experience. From my perspective as a recruiter, I see firsthand how hard candidates are working to land the right opportunity. It can be tough when things don’t go as planned, and it’s easy to feel discouraged when facing setbacks. But it’s essential to stay positive and persistent.

One effective way to maintain motivation is by setting small, achievable goals. For example, you might set a target to apply for a few jobs each week or to reach out to new professional contacts regularly. Breaking down the job search into manageable tasks can help you see progress and keep your morale high.

Rejections are undoubtedly tough to handle, but each one might come with feedback or provide a learning opportunity that can help you refine your job search strategy.

I wish you lots of luck on your graduate job search and if you need any assistance with finding the right position, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at ben@inspiringinterns.com.