Jobseekers allowance awaits for one in three graduates

Ok brace yourselves, because the statistics on this are shocking. After doing the right things, studying hard and investing both time and money in their education, students are stuck without work.

Research from totaljobs.com has brought this shocking fact into the spotlight showing that a third (34%) of UK graduates have been searching for work for more than six months and roughly the same percentage are claiming Jobseekers Allowance. Other dismal statistics follow suit – almost two fifths (16%) of graduates have applied for over a hundred jobs, without success and a quarter of them have been unable to secure a single interview.

Job search troubles are directly affecting salary expectations. Current grads expect to earn around £19,800 per year whereas current undergraduate students expect around £800 more when they graduate.

Mike Fetters, graduate director at totaljobs.com, reflected on the findings:

“Overall, the picture for graduates is tough, but there are signs of improvement.  We are seeing some growth in the number of job available and the latest ONS statistics, whilst still depressing, are beginning to show that youth unemployment is levelling off. These will be small crumbs of comfort, however, for those that took the advice of successive governments and invested in their education only to find themselves forced through necessity to claim the dole and fail to be invited to a single interview.”

In the study graduates said that university had been worthwhile however they indicated that employers expected experience. 41% of the graduates polled said that they regarded six months work experience as being the most important consideration for those taking on entry level staff, compared to only 9% who said it was having a 2:1 degree or higher and only 5% who said it was the reputation of the university a candidate attended.

Mike Fetters offered some advice for jobseekers:

“With graduates recognising the importance of experience yet unable to get their foot through the door, it can seem like a vicious cycle. But there are some things graduates can do. The first is to maximise the power of your network and keep in touch with classmates, they might hear of an opportunity that you can take advantage of. If you’re able, get some work experience or charity work so that you can fill gaps in your CV and finally don’t be tempted to apply for all and every job. Think about what you want to do and tailor your CV and covering letter accordingly. Make every application count and understand how to stand out from your competition”

Visit totaljobs.com for Job vacancies, employment information and careers advice.

Tags: careers, graduate recruitment, jobs, jobseekers

Category: Featured, Student News