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One in three graduates rejected from entry-level jobs due to lack of experience, data finds 

One in five graduates gave up before applying, according to a survey from Careerminds UK.

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One in three graduates rejected from entry-level jobs due to lack of experience, data finds 
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One in three graduates were rejected from entry-level jobs for lacking experience, while one in five gave up before applying, according to a survey from Careerminds UK.

Almost half of graduates affected by this barrier faced both rejection and were deterred from applying. 

Master’s graduates had the highest rejection rate at 48%, and male graduates were more likely to be rejected than female graduates, at 40% versus 27%. 

Women were more likely to experience both rejection and self-disqualification compared to men.

The data showed that 37% of entry-level job adverts required previous work experience, asking for an average of 2.5 years. 

Graduates reported they struggled to get a job without experience but could not gain experience without a job. 

Among master’s graduates, only 12% self-disqualified, but they had the highest rejection rate once they applied.

Amanda Augustine, CPCC and resident careers expert at Careerminds UK, said: “The internship has taken the place of the traditional entry-level job. 

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“If you graduate from uni without a couple years of relevant experience on your CV, you’re automatically at a disadvantage.

“That pressure has only intensified as AI and other technological advancements continue to replace many of the truer entry-level positions that once allowed graduates to gain experience on the job.”

Augustine added: “In fact, our data shows the more educated candidates are taking the hardest hits: master’s degree holders face the highest rejection rates of any group we surveyed. 

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“Many assume a graduate degree alone will make them highly marketable, but employers increasingly want to see how these candidates have applied what they learned at school in real working environments.

“If organisations expect entry-level candidates to already have years of experience, then they also need to invest in their talent pipeline by partnering with universities and creating more internship opportunities.”

She said: “At the same time, students and recent graduates should not overlook unpaid or non-traditional experiences, such as university class projects, volunteer work, fellowships and even part-time jobs when building their CVs. 

“All of these add value to your CV, especially if they expose you to your target industry or field. 

“Consider these roles to be steppingstones – the first of many – on your path towards your ideal career.”

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