Struggling to Secure a Grad Job? Here’s Why…

Have you graduated from university and still struggling to land a grad job? After weeks or even months, of applying for roles, sending out countless CVs, and trying to network, it can be disheartening when nothing seems to go to plan. You might have even secured a first-class degree or a solid 2:1 and still find yourself wondering why you’re not getting a call back from the employer.

Many graduates assume that strong academic performance alone will open doors, but the reality is that grades, while important, aren’t always enough to land you a job. The job market is more competitive than ever, and employers are often looking for more than just a graduation certificate.

Here are a few reasons why securing a grad job may be more challenging than you thought—and what you can do to improve your chances:

Experience matters more than you think

While your academic qualifications certainly hold weight when it comes to employment, employers are increasingly looking for candidates with hands-on experience in their chosen field. A good degree might show that you can perform well in an academic setting, but employers want to see that you can apply those skills in a real-world environment. This is where internships, volunteer work or even part-time roles can set you apart from the competition. While applying for graduate jobs, look for these types of opportunities to get the relevant practical experience under your belt, and fill in gaps in your CV that shows you’re committed to building your skill set.

Your grad job CV might need work

Another common issue is not having a CV or cover letter that stands out. It’s easy to think that your qualifications and experience will speak for themselves, but in a competitive job market, how you present yourself on paper is crucial. A generic, one-size-fits-all CV won’t grab a hiring manager’s attention. It may come across as obvious that you have used to same document to apply for every single job. Essentially, employers want to see a tailored application to the job, to show that you’ve done your homework and are really interested in the specific role.

Pay close attention to the keywords the employer uses in the job advert, and make sure to incorporate them throughout your CV. Highlight measurable achievements, such as specific projects you’ve completed or problems you’ve successfully solved in previous roles to prove your value to the company and the role you’re applying for.

You’re limiting yourself to specific roles

You might have a clear idea of what your “dream job” looks like, but being too picky early on can actually limit your opportunities. Even though you may have heavily researched the industry you want to break into, you might be surprised by how many other roles are a great fit for your degree and skills. Focusing only on one specific job or sector could mean passing up on experiences that could help you grow and get closer to your ultimate goal…so start to think outside of the box. For example, if you’re aiming for a career in marketing, don’t rule out roles in social media, content creation, or even admin positions. Check out our jobs board to see the wide variety of available roles in a variety of sectors.

Failing to make use of resources

After graduating, it’s easy to feel like you need to tackle the grad job search entirely on your own, but don’t overlook the valuable resources at your disposal. Many grads think they need to handle everything solo, but remember to ask for help; especially when the job market can be so competitive.

Start by reaching out to your university’s careers centre. They’re an excellent resource for their graduates and can connect you with a range of job opportunities through their established network of companies. Plus, many universities hold job fairs and networking sessions, where you can meet potential employers face-to-face and build relationships with recruiters.

Also, be sure to consider registering with us, here at Inspiring Interns. We specialise in helping graduates find roles across various industries and even match you with internships or graduate jobs that give you the chance to get your foot in the door faster.