Graduates 'struggling against skilled applicants'

One expert has pointed out that graduates are finding it difficult to obtain jobs due to strong competition.

Dan Hawes, co-founder of the Graduate Recruitment Bureau, said that skilled applicants with experience in key roles are edging out graduates when it comes to obtaining roles with companies.

His comments come after figures published by the Liberal Democrats show that the unemployment rate for 18 to 24-year-olds has increased by 5.8 per cent, with the number of unemployed graduates rising 3.5 percentage points to 20.3 per cent.

Mr Hawes pointed out that some companies have cut back on recruiting graduates due to the downturn and the fact that there are so many skilled workers looking for a job.

"In our experience we find that lots of employers are still looking. There are still plenty of jobs out there. It is very competitive because the selection criteria is still quite tough," the expert explained.

Posted by Lee Anne Lewis