Graduating from university is supposed to be a time of excitement and opportunity, yet months after finishing their education, many graduates are struggling to secure fulfilling roles. Despite strong academic backgrounds and experience, many find their paths blocked by automated hiring systems and a lack of employer feedback. But the problem isn’t the candidates — it’s how the job market has evolved.
The Problem: A Competitive and Frustrating Job Market
As highlighted by the Times, many graduates feel disillusioned. Despite obtaining degrees from top universities and investing time and effort in building impressive CVs, they are caught in a cycle of endless rejections or are screened out by AI-based systems.
The numbers speak for themselves:
The Office for National Statistics found that last year 26.4% of graduates aged 21-30 in England were working in medium or low-skilled jobs, while 5.5% were unemployed.
Graduates, having spent more than £27,000 on tuition fees and worked hard to achieve high grades, often find themselves in non-graduate roles or, worse, jobless. As employers increasingly use AI-driven recruitment systems, many young professionals feel they are unfairly screened out of opportunities before a human even reviews their application.
How You Can Bridge the Gap
At Devonshire, we understand the frustrations of today’s graduates and have some tips to help you stand out in this competitive market.
Personalised CV & Application Support:
Instead of relying on generic buzzwords or Applicant Tracking Software (ATS), you should craft your CV to reflect both your hard and soft skills. This will help ensure your applications are customised to bypass automated filters and catch the attention of hiring managers.
Interview Preparation and Soft Skills Development:
Employers look beyond degrees—they want to ensure you’ll fit within their team and that your values align with theirs. Most universities offer career services beyond education and can provide one-on-one coaching to help you prepare for modern recruitment, including developing key skills like resilience, emotional intelligence, and communication. Taking advantage of these resources can significantly boost your confidence and improve your interview techniques.
Leverage Industry Connections and Targeted Applications:
While the job market can feel overwhelming, it’s important to focus on quality over quantity when applying for roles. Tailoring applications to specific industries and companies will yield better results than sending out mass applications. Build a network within your target sectors, attend industry events, and use LinkedIn to connect with professionals who can offer guidance. By focusing on roles that align with your skills and experience, you can increase your chances of standing out and securing interviews.
Seek Feedback and Continuous Improvement:
Unlike the faceless processes described in the Times article, it’s important to actively seek feedback on your applications. Whenever possible, ask recruiters for constructive criticism on your CV, cover letter, or interview performance. This will help you identify areas for improvement and refine your approach for future applications. Continuously learning from each experience will increase your chances of success.
The job market has changed, but you don’t have to face it alone. While Devonshire offers valuable advice and insights, many other resources are available to support you on your career journey.
University career services, industry-specific job boards, and professional networking platforms like LinkedIn can help you find opportunities and refine your job search strategy. Additionally, organisations like the National Careers Service and graduate mentoring programs can offer personalised support.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, reach out to these resources, and remember that perseverance is key.
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