One role, 200 applicants: University graduates battle crowded jobs market

University graduation ceremonies have been sweeping the country – a well-deserved time for celebration.

But once the hat and gown come off, graduates face a daunting next step.

Finding a job has become increasingly difficult for young people, with more candidates than ever competing for fewer vacancies.

One employer told STV News they can receive more than 200 applications for entry-level roles.

For some, the hard work pays off immediately.

At Edinburgh Napier University’s graduation, a few lucky students already have international roles lined up, with one heading to Argentina for a marketing role and another moving to Seoul for a digital media job.

But for more and more students, the hunt for a role in their chosen sector is a long one.

‘There are so many applicants and so few positions’

Ruby Anderson, media graduate from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen STV News

Ruby Anderson graduated from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen with a media degree a year ago. She is still searching.

“There are either no positions available, or they want someone with experience, which you don’t have. It’s hard to get experience when you can’t find entry-level positions.

“I know a lot of people are in the same position with lots of different degrees and fields of work. They can’t seem to find anything.”

She says there is often a lack of understanding from older generations regarding the job market graduates are facing.

“People often just make the assumption that you’re not trying hard enough, or when you’re applying for these jobs, you’re not putting your best foot forward.

“I can say I absolutely am, and it just feels like it’s luck of the draw.

“It feels like you’re putting in the effort, putting yourself out there, trying to reach out to companies, but every time it’s just a no.”

Entry-level jobs are attracting nearly four times as many candidates as 20 years ago, figures show Adobe Stock

Ruby has widened her search to include more social media and marketing roles, but jobs in Aberdeen are hard to come by.

“It does feel like sometimes you wish you lived in the Central Belt where there were more opportunities,” she admitted.

“I know people who have moved further afield for jobs, then moved back because it was too expensive and not reliable for being able to keep a job in the industry. You’ve sometimes got personal commitments, meaning it’s not possible for everybody.”

She added: “It can be a bit disheartening when you think your application is just going to get lost in the amount of people.

“Even looking at a broader range of jobs, there are very few.”

Graduates from Edinburgh Napier University outside Usher Hall STV News

The numbers paint a stark picture.

Statistics from HESA, which tracks data in higher education, show 57% of those who graduated in 2023/24 are in full-time employment.

That is down to the same level experienced by graduates entering the jobs market during the Covid-19 lockdown.

The Institute of Student Employers say the average graduate vacancy prompts 140 applications – two decades ago, that figure sat at just 38.

Employers face rising costs, such as a rise in National Insurance, which raises the cost of bringing in junior staff. At the same time, advances in technology and AI are changing some entry-level roles, adding further uncertainty to parts of the jobs market.

Despite the tough economy, many businesses are keen to recruit fresh talent, even if managing the volume of applicants is a challenge. A recent entry-level vacancy at Edinburgh Airport, for example, attracted over 200 candidates.

Head of talent and inclusion Seonaid Gow STV News

“It’s tricky for hiring managers”, says Seonaid Gow, head of talent and inclusion at Edinburgh Airport. “There are a lot of CVs to sift through, but our recruitment team are geared up for that.

“We use a few methods to get that shortlist, such as online testing.”

Seonaid started here as an intern herself in 2018. She now helps run their internship programme, which is hosting 14 graduates for paid placements this summer.

“It can be a hard adjustment for students coming into the workplace, particularly post-Covid when a lot of learning went online. So, it’s really crucial to have that hands-on experience before you apply for roles. Work-based learning helps bring their education and technical skills to life.

“We’ve got a good track record of interns staying permanently. Just last year, four interns ended up staying on whilst they were finishing their studies. Two of those have permanent roles here.”

Universities Scotland director Claire McPherson STV News

That sort of workplace experience is something universities are looking to increase within courses.

Claire McPherson, Director of Universities Scotland, acknowledges how tough the current climate is for recent graduates.

“We recognise the issue, and we’re doing everything we can to support graduates in that space. There’s a lot to be proud of in terms of where graduates are going, but there’s more to do to ensure they get the opportunities they want following their studies.

“We know graduates want to get that high-level employment. For us, it’s matching that aspiration from graduates with the aspiration from employers.”

She says universities are actively redesigning curriculums to bridge the skills gap, offering more undergraduate placements, work-based learning, and graduate apprenticeships that allow students to earn while they learn.

She added: “If there are students or graduates worried about this and looking for advice, the university careers service is there to help.”