Reddit Reveals: What Students Need to Know About Finding Graduate Jobs

7 Nov 2025

Luke Williams

“Why are graduate jobs so hard to find right now?”

That big question recently appeared on r/UKJobs and quickly became popular. Getting over 400 upvotes and a storm of comments from recent graduates, hiring managers, and career coaches, the thread soon became a goldmine of advice. If you’ve been scrolling job sites, wondering if it’s just you, you’re not alone.

Reddit Reveals: What Students Need to Know About Finding Graduate Jobs

“I applied to 50 roles and only got two replies. Is this normal?”

  • “You’re not doing anything wrong. The competition is brutal right now. Tailor your CV like your life depends on it,” says u/gradgrind9. 
  • Meanwhile, u/govtrackuk told people not to “sleep on civil service schemes. They’re slower but solid.”
  • Finally, u/hiddenhire let their fellow students know that “I got my job through a university careers fair. Never saw the ad online.”

What Counts as a Graduate Job Anyway?

A graduate job typically refers to an entry level role that requires a university degree and is often part of a formal scheme or structured training programme. Don’t mistake them for internships or short-term contracts, though, as they are usually full time jobs with genuine opportunities to progress.

Common sectors for graduate roles in the UK include: 

  • Finance and consulting
  • Public sector (NHS, civil service)
  • Engineering and STEM industries
  • Media, publishing, and marketing
  • Tech and digital services

You can explore active listings for verified graduate jobs at Prospects.

Why Are Graduate Jobs Hard to Get?

Here’s a quick breakdown: 

  • High volume of applicants: Each graduate role can receive hundreds of applications, especially at larger firms.
  • Automated filtering: Applicant tracking systems(ATS) often reject CVs before a human even sees them.
  • Experience gaps: Many roles ask for experience even though they’re entry level positions.

How to stand out: 

  • Use keywords from the job advert in your CV.
  • Have your CV reviewed by a careers advisor or use free tools like VMock.
  • Don’t overlook smaller companies. They often hire more flexibly.

A group of graduates trying to make their applications stand out

How to Find Graduate Jobs That Aren’t on Job Boards

If you’re wondering how to find the best hidden graduate opportunities, the best roles aren’t always listed.

Reddit users shared the following tips for finding exclusive graduate jobs:

  • University networks: Careers fairs, alumni newsletters, and LinkedIn groups.
  • Cold outreach: Email or message companies you admire, even if they haven’t posted any openings.
  • Professional associations: Many list jobs that never make it to public boards.
  • Local business networks: Especially useful if you’re searching for jobs in a specific city or region.

Adapting to the Real World After Uni

Leaving university and stepping into the job market can be overwhelming. You may already be working part-time hours, dealing with visa concerns, or still learning how to write the perfect cover letter.

Here are a few practical tips: 

  • Start by creating a plan: Set aside time for job hunting each day.
  • Track your applications: Use a spreadsheet or websites like Indeed.
  • Celebrate your wins: An interview or even a reply is progress. Stay positive and motivated.

“Getting ghosted hurts, but every rejection makes your next application sharper”, says u/slowandstudy.

What is the Best Way to Prepare for Graduate Job Interviews?

Take note of the top preparation steps ahead of your next interview:

  1. Research the company: Go beyond their homepage by checking recent business updates, Glassdoor reviews, and staff pages.
  2. Practice your responses: Structure your answers to commonly asked questions.
  3. Record yourself: Use your phone to rehearse answers. It’s strange at first, but it becomes helpful later.
  4. Use mock interviews: Many universities offer this through their career services team.

How to Stay Motivated When Job Hunting Feels Hard

You’re not alone if you’re feeling low on confidence after a rejection. Reddit threads on r/GraduateJobs and r/UKJobs are full of people feeling the same way. Here are a few helpful ways recent graduates are coping:

  • Peer support: Message friends or join online forums to vent and get advice.
  • Routine helps: Start your day with something other than job searching.
  • Scatter your approach: Apply to roles in different industries or try freelance gigs to keep your skills sharp and finances afloat.

Join the Conversation

If you’re navigating the chaos of graduate job hunting, you don’t have to do it alone.

An example of a recent graduate joining the conversation on Reddit

Final Thoughts

Landing a graduate job today takes more than just a polished CV and a top class degree. It requires patience, creativity, and a willingness to explore options beyond the obvious.

Whether it’s connecting through your university network, applying to local roles, or learning from a rejection, each step takes you closer to securing your dream role. Who knows? Your next big opportunity could be just a phone call, email, or Reddit search away.

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