Graduates missing out on jobs due to lack of workplace readiness, recruiters say

"Graduates are increasingly missing out on job offers because they are not considered ready for the workplace, according to new research that suggests a widening gap between academic achievement and professional expectations. A survey commissioned by Regent's University London found that 80 per cent of recruiters believe graduates are losing out on roles due to a lack of professional maturity and work readiness. A further fifth described some candidates as "work shy" and lacking self-awareness."

"Recruiters said a strong work ethic was the most commonly missing attribute among graduates, followed by communication skills, decision-making ability and accountability. These softer skills are now seen as more important than academic credentials, with 78 per cent of employers saying they prioritise candidates with strong interpersonal skills over those with top grades or technical expertise. Practical experience is also viewed as critical."

"The findings reflect broader concerns about how well traditional university education prepares students for employment. More than 70 per cent of recruiters surveyed said higher education does not adequately equip graduates to thrive in professional environments, suggesting many are struggling not because of academic shortcomings but because of a disconnect between theory and real-world capability. One in five recruiters said they had rejected candidates directly because of skills gaps they attributed to shortcomings in university preparation."

Recruiters report that many graduates lose job offers because they lack professional maturity, work readiness and practical workplace skills. Eighty per cent of recruiters cite lack of professional maturity and a fifth describe some candidates as "work shy" and lacking self-awareness. Employers identify weak work ethic, poor communication, limited decision-making and low accountability as the most common deficiencies. Seventy-eight per cent of employers prioritise interpersonal skills over top grades, and 79 per cent favour candidates with practical work exposure. More than 70 per cent say higher education does not adequately prepare graduates, and one in five have rejected candidates for university-related skills gaps. Graduate unemployment rose from 5.6% to 6.2% between 2021/22 and 2022/23, while full-time employment proportions fell.

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