I Can’t Find a Graduate Job – What Do I Do?

Searching for a graduate job can be an exhausting and frustrating process, especially when your applications go unanswered, or rejection emails start to stack up. It’s a tough experience that many new graduates share, so if you’re feeling disheartened, you’re certainly not alone. Recent reports highlight how competitive the graduate job market has become, with some employers receiving upwards of 140 applications per job opening, according to the Institute of Student Employers.

Digital and IT roles are especially competitive, with an average of 205 applications per position, while sectors like finance and professional services are not far behind, attracting 188 applicants per vacancy.
If you’re finding that those much-anticipated job offers aren’t coming through as quickly as you’d hoped, here’s what you can do to stay on track:

Reflect on your graduate job search strategy

If things aren’t quite going the way you had planned, hit pause and reflect on your current strategy. Consider whether you’re targeting roles that align with your skills, interests, and career aspirations. If you’re applying for positions just to secure any job, you may be selling yourself short. Take time to analyse whether the roles you’re pursuing genuinely resonate with your professional goals or if it’s time to refocus your search on what truly excites you.

Next, give your application materials a thorough review. Your CV, cover letter, and portfolio (if relevant) are often the first things a potential employer will see. Are they compelling and specifically tailored to the roles you’re applying for? Be sure to emphasise key skills and experiences that closely match what each job posting asks for, and make sure your materials tell a cohesive story about your professional journey. Employers want more than a list of accomplishments—they want to know why you’re the perfect fit for their team.

It’s not easy to be fully objective about your own work, so getting feedback from others can make a big difference. Consider reaching out to career coaches, mentors, or trusted peers in your industry for their perspective. They may spot areas for improvement. Sometimes, even small tweaks—like using stronger action verbs, reformatting sections, or reworking your professional summary—can make a significant impact.

Broaden your search

If your graduate job search feels restrictive or like you’re running out of options, it might be time to broaden your scope.

Focusing on one specific role may limit your chances of finding the right fit. Within any industry, there are related positions that offer different paths. For instance, if you aim to work in marketing, consider roles beyond general marketing management. You might excel in social media management by engaging audiences and shaping a brand’s digital voice, or in content creation and copywriting if you have a talent for storytelling. If data and trends appeal to you, marketing analytics can leverage your analytical skills to help optimise campaigns. These roles may serve as stepping stones to your dream job or open up new avenues you hadn’t considered.

Additionally, remote work has become more common, with many companies now beginning to embrace flexible work arrangements. Expanding your search to include remote positions means you’re no longer limited to opportunities within your immediate area. This can significantly increase the number of jobs you’re eligible for, allowing you to work for companies anywhere in the country—or even the world—without relocating.

While relocation isn’t an option for everyone, being willing to move—even temporarily—can, however, unlock a wealth of opportunities. Certain industries thrive in specific regions, and moving there can put you closer to potential employers, networking events, and industry insiders. It doesn’t have to be permanent, but the experience gained can be invaluable and help you grow both professionally and personally. Some employers may even be more inclined to hire candidates willing to relocate, as it shows dedication to the role.

Stay resilient

Graduate job hunting can often feel like an uphill battle, leaving you mentally and emotionally drained. It’s easy to start questioning yourself when things aren’t moving as quickly as you’d hoped. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that it’s okay to take a step back. It’s completely normal to encounter bumps along the way, and sometimes the best thing you can do is give yourself a break and regain perspective.

Lean on your support network. Talk to friends, family, or anyone you trust about what you’re going through. A simple conversation can remind you that you’re not alone and that many people have walked this same path and come out stronger on the other side.

Career counsellors can also be valuable allies. They’ve helped many others through the process and may have insight or strategies you haven’t considered. Their encouragement, combined with practical feedback, can be just what you need to refine your approach and regain confidence.
Remember to take care of yourself, too. Your worth isn’t defined by the speed at which you find a job, and rejection doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. Make time for activities that bring you peace and joy—whether it’s exercising, reading, creating art, or just catching up with friends over coffee. Taking breaks to recharge will help you show up stronger in your job search.

Don’t forget, we’re here to help at Inspiring Interns. We offer a variety of graduate jobs across different sectors, giving you the chance to explore roles that match your skills and interests. Whether you’re looking for positions in marketing, business, technology, or other industries, we have opportunities that can kickstart your career. We also provide expert interview tips to help you stand out. We know how nerve-wracking interviews can be, so we offer personalised advice and resources to help you prepare and shine during your interviews. From crafting the perfect answers to common questions to tips on how to present yourself with confidence, we’ve got plenty of tools to set you up for success.