'Entry-level' jobs reject 1 in 3 UK graduates for lacking experience

Date:
Mon, 01 Jun 2026 11:30:00 +0000

Description:
One-third of UK graduates are now being rejected because they don't have 2.5 years' experience this rises with degree level.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Employers are seeking an
average of 2.5 years' experience for so-called entry-level roles 33% of undergrad and 48% of postgrad degree holders are being turned away Building a strong resume with lots of experience is more important than ever UK
graduates continue to face one of the toughest entry-level markets in years, with more than a third (37%) of so-called entry-level jobs advertised now requiring prior work experience.

New research from Careerminds UK found that these jobs required an average of two-and-a-half years' experience, creating a catch-22 scenario where
graduates are ultimately unable to build the experience required even for starter roles. As a result, one in three (33%) applicants were rejected specifically because they lacked sufficient experience, with one in five
(20%) now ruling themselves out before even applying because of these experience demands. Latest Videos From You may like AI is unlocking entry-level potential, not replacing it MIT AI expert warns against
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deepening techs AI skills shortage Entry-level workers are still expected to have years of experience Interestingly, Careerminds UK also found that the higher an applicant's education level, the higher their rejection rate is likely to be, indicating that workers are being penalized for pursuing higher qualifications. Nearly half (48%) of master's degree holders reported rejection due to a lack of experience, compared with 33% of undergrad degree holders.

"If you graduate from uni without a couple years of relevant experience on your CV, youre automatically at a disadvantage," careers expert Amanda Augustine explained, noting that internships have taken the place of traditional entry-level jobs.

"Many assume a graduate degree alone will make them highly marketable, but employers increasingly want to see how these candidates have applied what
they learned at school in real working environments."

While experience has grown in demand by employers, formal education still remains just as relevant. The report lays out some options for students who are preparing to enter the labor market, including taking part in volunteer work, part-time jobs, freelance projects or student society leadership positions. Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up to the
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Augustine emphasized the importance of building out a strong resume even in those early, pre-career years, with a major focus on the types of skills and roles a prospective employer would want. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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