JOB postings for UK graduates have hit their lowest level since 2020, according to jobs platform Indeed.
Overall vacancies dropped 11% between the start of this year and July 17.
They were also 32% lower than before the coronavirus pandemic.
Graduate job postings have falllen 7% year-on-year and are now at the lowest level for this time of year since 2020.
University graduates are facing an increasingly difficult job market as there is a shortage of entry-level positions.
Summer job postings, which are usually taken up by students and other young people, are also at their lowest level in four years.
Experts have blamed a mixture of businesses facing higher costs to hire workers and AI now being used to carry out lower level tasks.
Jack Kennedy, senior economist at Indeed, said: “The UK’s labour market is under sustained pressure.
“Hiring demand is falling across most parts of the economy, while posted wage growth is gradually cooling.
“That is particularly challenging for graduates and younger workers, who are competing for fewer opportunities to gain an initial foothold.”
It comes as new Prime Minister Andy Burnham is facing a growing youth unemployment crisis.
Roughly one million 16 to 24-year-olds are classed as NEETs, meaning they are not in jobs, training or education.
It means 13.5% of all young people in the UK – roughly one in eight – are currently in this position.
Some 84% of NEETs have said they want a job or training, so much of the problem lies with a lack of opportunities.
Mr Burnham said last week he wanted to tackle the crisis by encouraging schools to adapt their curriculums to the needs of local businesses.
He is also looking at introducing technical education options for students starting from Year 10.
The prime minister has committed to reducing the number of NEETs but has not put a timeline on it yet.
My five-step strategy can get you a new job in 30 days
NEGOTIATION expert Tim Castle says he has a winning strategy for getting hired into your dream job in just 30 days.
The secret to landing a new job, Tim says, lies behind a five-step strategy – and anyone can use it.
Follow the ‘9 before 9’ rule
If you’re lacking motivation to apply for yet another job, the ‘9 before 9’ rule could help, says Tim.
Apply to nine jobs, or contact nine people enquiring about possible vacancies, before 9am strikes.
“Be first in their inbox, DMs or on the phone, even if they aren’t advertising for a specific role right now,” he says.
“Whatever it takes to move from unknown to someone to meet with.”
Build an army of contacts
Competition for jobs at the moment is fierce.
Unemployment has increased to 5%, new figures released by the Office for National Statistics this week revealed.
That means more people hunting for work – but with less roles available, job hunters face a battle making their CVs stand out.
This is where your network comes in, says Tim.
“Set up coffee meetings with interesting people in the area you would like to secure a role with or attend events and meet-ups.
“Expand outside of your everyday connections. The people you meet will know information you don’t and they are more likely to be able to refer you into a role that is not on your radar already.”
Lean on your contacts to refer you for roles
“Hiring managers want clarity, confidence and buy-in. Being referred gives them all three,” Tim says.
“Not only do you get ‘borrowed credibility’ from the referee, but you often skip to the front of the queue as a result and then secure an interview ahead of everyone else.”
Employers won’t just be looking at your CV to figure out if you’re a good fit for the role.