Graduates are missing out on jobs because they are not ready for the workplace, recruiters say

Graduates are increasingly missing out on promising jobs because they are not considered work-ready, according to new research that suggests a growing gap between academic achievement and workplace expectations.

A survey by Regent’s University London found that 80 percent of employers believe that graduates are losing out on roles due to a lack of professional maturity and job readiness. An additional fifth described the other candidates as “shy to work” and unable to identify themselves.

Employers said a strong work ethic was the most common trait lacking among graduates, followed by communication skills, decision-making ability and accountability. These soft skills are now seen as more important than academic qualifications, with 78 percent of employers saying they prefer people with strong interpersonal skills over those with advanced degrees or technical experience.

Practical experience is also considered important. About one in five employers said that graduates fail to find roles because they lack work experience, in the workplace. Because of this, 79 percent said they favor applicants with work experience over those without.

The findings reflect broader concerns about how well traditional university education is preparing students for work. More than 70 percent of employers surveyed say higher education doesn’t adequately equip graduates to succeed in the workforce, suggesting many are struggling not because of academic flaws but because of a mismatch between theory and real-world capabilities.

One in five recruiters said they directly rejected candidates due to a lack of skills, which they said was caused by a lack of preparation for universities.

The pressures are compounded by increasing competition for graduate roles and a softening labor market. Data from Jisc shows graduate unemployment rose from 5.6 per cent to 6.2 per cent between 2021/22 and 2022/23, while the share of full-time employment fell from 59 per cent to 56.4 per cent.

Even when graduates are taking on secure roles, employers report long periods before they are seen in full-time employment. 71 percent of employers say they have extended the probationary period to hire graduates because of incorrect expectations about character and soft skills.

Professor Geoff Smith, vice-chancellor and chief executive of Regent’s University London, said the results highlighted the need for reform in higher education.

“It is becoming increasingly clear that higher education methods are no longer preparing students for the realities of work,” he said. “Universities must improve to ensure that students are able to communicate effectively and succeed in professional situations.”

He said Regent prioritizes experiential learning, collaborative projects and practical connections with businesses to bridge the gap between academic studies and career expectations.

The research underscores employers’ growing concern that academic success alone is no longer enough in a competitive labor market where adaptability, resilience and interpersonal skills are increasingly valued.