Why are there 230 graduates fighting for every graduate job despite a booming economy?

With over a million vacancies and a booming economy, graduates continue to struggle to find their first job. In fact, even in a good year, only 52% of graduates get a graduate-level job. The remainder are underemployed in roles that do not require a degree.

Each year, around 800,000 people graduate in the UK. These graduates join an existing pool of graduates who graduated in previous years and are still looking for graduate employment.

In 2021 with the UK still in a pandemic,  there were an additional 1.2 million graduates who were still struggling to find a graduate job from 2018-20. Additionally, there are now over 300,000 international  graduates who want to stay in the UK and apply for jobs.

Chris Davies, founder of Graduate Coach, in a recent interview with GB News stated,

“It is an amazing time to move if you have a job. Pity, however, the poor graduate because there are 230 graduates fighting for every job and that is an appalling situation. If you are a graduate it is really tough to land your first role.”

Why is the graduate market so competitive?

The graduate job market is highly competitive because there is an imbalance in supply and demand.The UK like most major economies produces too many graduates for the economy to absorb. For every job vacancy, there are around 230 applicants. Some of the Times Top 100 graduate employers receive well over 1,000 applications for their graduate schemes.

What to do if you are finding it difficult to land a graduate job?

Graduating with a 2:1 or a 1st class degree alone is not enough to land a graduate-level job. If you are having little or no success in finding a graduate level job, you may need professional help.

Competition is fierce and Graduate Coach may be able to help you. Our professional coaches provide career advice and coaching for new graduates, helping you to achieve your full potential. We are experts in full career and 1-2-1 interview coaching, conducted face-to-face, via video calls or online. Click here!

Check out The Student Book. It was written by Chris Davies, the founder of Graduate Coach, and contains everything you need to know to get the job you really want!

Written by Nina Chatrath