Graduate Struggle Worsens!

The BBC has today reported record levels of competition amongst graduates, with an average of 83 applications per job, a figure which has risen annually since 2008 when the average was just 31.  These statistics reflect a back-log of applicants, with university leavers from several graduation years fighting for the same jobs.

More positively, graduate starting salaries have risen for the first time in three years and employers also predict a slight increase in the number of future openings; indicators suggesting that the graduate recruitment market is in recovery.

Despite the increased levels of competition, experts continue to value university education and statistics show that graduate career prospects are enhanced in the long-term.

University leavers are encouraged to promote their transferrable skills when making applications, remaining aware that the quality of competition has increased.

For further advice, please refer to Appoint's blog post 'A City of Grads,' featured earlier this year: http://www.thebestof.co.uk/local/bath/blog/a-city-of-grads/article029531.htm

[source: BBC News 28.6.11]