Parents play a crucial role in supporting their graduates through the job search process. Understanding the nuances of the current graduate job market can significantly enhance your ability to support them. Here are some key points parents should be aware of:
1: It’s a Highly Competitive Environment
The graduate job market is more competitive than ever, with a high number of graduates vying for a limited number of positions. This competition is exacerbated by the ongoing influx of international graduates.
To illustrate the extent of the competition, approximately 2 million graduates are searching for jobs at any point. There are only 17,500 new graduate jobs in any given month (compared to 25,000 a month five years ago).
2: Work Experience is Essential (not a nice to have)
A degree alone is not enough. Employers increasingly value practical work experience alongside academic achievements. Graduates who have completed internships, placement years, or even part-time jobs in their field have a competitive edge.
Even if your son or daughter went to a top university and secured a 1st class degree, if they do not have work experience they will most likely struggle to land a graduate-level job.
3: Soft and hard skills are vital
Simply put, employers are looking for highly skilled candidates with the potential to continuously grow and develop, not academics.
Your son or daughter MUST demonstrate and articulate their skills on their CV and in interviews.
Beyond technical knowledge, employers are looking for soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These competencies are often evaluated through the interview process and can be decisive factors in hiring decisions.
The learning doesn’t stop at graduation. Emphasising the importance of lifelong learning and staying current with industry trends can help graduates remain competitive.
4: Digital Proficiency and Online Presence
There is a significant demand for graduates in the IT sector. Graduates with skills in Software Engineering, or Digital marketing for example are more likely to successfully land a good graduate job. Encourage your child to learn how to code and to take some online courses in digital marketing.
A professional online presence (such as an optimised LinkedIn profile) is essential. Graduates should be adept at using digital tools relevant to their industry and managing their online persona professionally.
5: Adaptability is Key:
The job market is continually evolving, with new industries emerging and others undergoing significant changes. Graduates need to be flexible and willing to adapt their skills and expectations accordingly.
Many graduates have high hopes of getting a job in a traditional field that typically hires very few graduates. This is simply unrealistic. Graduates must understand the demands of the graduate job market and adapt accordingly to stand the best chance of getting a graduate job.
6: Networking Matters:
Often, job opportunities come through personal and professional networks. Encouraging graduates to build and engage with their network can open doors to opportunities that aren’t advertised publicly.
7: The Psychological Toll:
The search for a graduate job, particularly in this challenging economic climate, can take a significant psychological toll on recent graduates.
Studies indicate that the prolonged job search process can lead to increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among graduates. A survey conducted by the Higher Education Careers Services Unit found that over 30% of job-seeking graduates reported feelings of low self-esteem and worthlessness directly tied to their employment status.
Furthermore, the uncertainty and repeated rejections faced during this period can exacerbate mental health issues, with another report highlighting that approximately 25% of graduates experienced significant anxiety related to their job prospects, compared to 15% of the general population.
This psychological impact is compounded by the pressure to succeed from societal expectations and personal investment in education.
8: Preparedness for Modern Recruitment Processes:
AI screening tools are now widely used by companies to manage the high volume of applications received for each job posting. These tools can filter applications based on keywords, skills, and other criteria set by the employer, making it essential for job seekers to optimise their resumes with relevant terms and clear, concise language that aligns with the job description. A report by LinkedIn revealed that 75% of resumes are never seen by human eyes due to being filtered out by these AI systems. This statistic highlights the importance of understanding how these systems work and tailoring applications accordingly.
Moreover, virtual interviews have become a staple in the recruitment process, especially following the increased remote work trends due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey by Gartner found that 86% of organisations are conducting at least some of their interviews virtually, which requires candidates to be adept in video interviews.
Additionally, with the introduction of gamified assessments and video CVs/applications, candidates must be versatile and creative in showcasing their skills and personalities. These modern recruitment strategies aim to evaluate a candidate’s problem-solving abilities, cultural fit, and other competencies in more dynamic ways than traditional methods.
Conclusion
By keeping these points in mind, parents can offer more targeted and effective support to their graduates, helping them navigate the complexities of the job market with greater confidence. Check out Graduate Coach for more information on how you can help your graduate son or daughter find their first job!
Featured image by Alexander Grey from Pexels
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