A significant number of UK students are hesitant about applying for degree-related jobs.
- 21% of surveyed students are uncertain about pursuing employment in their field of study.
- Confidence issues affect 30.1% of students as they transition from university to job applications.
- Hybrid roles are preferred by 45.5% of students, whereas only 15.1% favour remote work.
- Accredited Careers Coach Ilias Elsdon-Rentoulis offers strategic job application advice.
As the influx of new graduates preparing to join the workforce grows, a recent survey by Student Beans highlights a concerning trend: over 21% of UK students express uncertainty about applying for jobs related to their field of study. This hesitancy is chiefly attributed to a lack of confidence, with approximately 30.1% of students acknowledging this challenge as they move from academic life to practical job applications.
Strikingly, the desire for flexible working arrangements remains prominent among students, with 45.5% expressing a preference for hybrid roles that offer a balance between on-site and remote work. In contrast, full-time remote positions are less appealing, attracting only 15.1% of the student body, indicating a strong inclination towards some degree of in-person interaction.
To address these confidence barriers and enhance employability, Career Coach Ilias Elsdon-Rentoulis suggests several strategic approaches for students. Primarily, students should gather extensive information on the industries and companies they are interested in, which will allow them to tailor their job applications effectively. Ilias advises creating documents and spreadsheets to match job requirements with personal experience, enhancing the relevance of CVs and cover letters.
Next, he recommends refining both hard and soft skills to present a well-rounded candidature. While technical skills relevant to specific roles are crucial, soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving equally contribute to a candidate’s appeal. Accessible online platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning offer resources to further develop these essential competencies.
Moreover, Ilias emphasises the importance of strategic applications, underscoring the value of personalising each application by highlighting the most relevant skills and experiences. He warns against the common mistake of submitting generic CVs and cover letters to multiple job opportunities. Instead, leveraging networking platforms such as LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals can provide valuable insights and advice.
Lastly, professionalism plays a key role in job applications. Maintaining a polished online presence and preparing effectively for interviews can greatly enhance a candidate’s prospects. Practising common interview questions, using the STAR method, and soliciting feedback from peers can improve both confidence and performance. Furthermore, following up interviews with a thank you email reiterates interest and professionalism.
Navigating from academic to professional life demands confidence, strategic preparation, and proactive engagement with potential employers.
