The Reality of the Graduate Job Market

For many students, finishing university should feel like the start of something exciting, the first step into a meaningful career. But for today’s graduates, the reality is far tougher than expected.

The latest research from the Institute of Student Employers (ISE) shows that graduate employers now receive an average of 140 applications per vacancy, a record high and a 59% increase in just one year.

A Job Market Under Pressure

The job market has been hit by several overlapping challenges. According to Prospects’ Graduate Labour Market update (August 2025), graduate hiring has slowed again this year. Vacancies fell by around 8% in August alone, with roughly 14,000 graduate roles advertised, one-third fewer than in some previous years.

The Guardian reports that graduates and early-career professionals are among the hardest hit as the jobs market cools, with fewer opportunities and higher competition across most sectors.

Even though hiring is stabilising after the pandemic, many employers remain cautious, leaving a backlog of graduates from the past two years still searching for secure, full-time roles.

The Reality for Graduates

Today’s graduates are facing more than just competition, they’re navigating uncertainty, cost-of-living pressures and shifting employer expectations.

Many report feeling deflated after months of applications with little response. For some, this has led to underemployment or anxiety about their future career prospects. University career services such as Prospects and Target Jobs encourage young people to stay adaptable and build experience creatively, but it can still feel overwhelming to do this alone.

What Graduates Can Do

While the landscape is tough, there are practical steps graduates can take to stay motivated and move forward:

• Focus on transferable skills. Employers value communication, teamwork and adaptability across all sectors.

• Gain experience in flexible ways. Freelancing, volunteering and online courses can all strengthen your profile.

• Broaden your search. Consider different industries, roles or locations to open up new opportunities.

• Use your university’s resources. Many offer alumni mentoring, CV clinics and interview practice that are free to access even after graduation.

What Graduates Can Do Next

The graduate job market might be tough, but there are ways to stand out and move forward with confidence.

Alongside developing skills and gaining experience, one of the most powerful things you can do is build your personal brand. Employers increasingly look at online profiles before shortlisting candidates, and a thoughtful, professional presence can make a strong first impression.

Start by updating your LinkedIn profile with a clear photo, short summary of what you’re passionate about and a few examples of recent experiences or projects. You don’t need years of experience, just show curiosity and initiative.

Connecting with people in industries you admire, sharing what you’re learning or commenting on others’ posts helps you stay visible and learn along the way.

If you’d like support clarifying your goals and presenting yourself confidently, our coaching for young people and graduates can help you make your next move feel achievable.

How Coaching Can Help

The graduate job market may be more competitive than ever, but that doesn’t mean opportunity has disappeared. With the right support, graduates can learn to approach challenges strategically, focusing on strengths, building resilience and developing clarity about where they want to go next.

Coaching gives young people space to reflect, rebuild confidence and create an action plan that feels achievable.

If you or someone you know is feeling stuck after graduation, book a free discovery call to explore how coaching can help.

Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash