The Graduate Job Crisis: Why 600 Applications Isn’t a CV Failure—It’s a Symptom

The BBC’s recent feature on Caitlin Morgan—who submitted 647 job applications, many with a CV before finally landing a graduate role—is a sobering insight into the harsh reality many young people now face when entering the UK job market. But beneath the statistics and rejection emails lies a much broader and more uncomfortable truth: this isn’t just about CVs. It’s about a job market under strain, political uncertainty, and a fundamental gap in how we prepare young people for the world of work. Here’s the article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clygj739dmvo

Employers Are Cautious—and With Reason

One rarely discussed but very real barrier for job seekers is the growing financial burden placed on employers. The increase in National Insurance contributions, particularly painful for small and mid-sized businesses, has made hiring a far riskier commitment. Every new employee now represents not just a salary, but a compound cost—insurance, pensions, compliance—and in today’s economy, that risk is something many are avoiding altogether.

Moreover, the proposed employment legislation, spearheaded by Angela Rayner and the Labour Party, is creating additional caution. Some employers fear being locked into more rigid contractual obligations or facing complex compliance requirements. As a result, there’s hesitancy, especially when considering candidates without experience, who require additional training and support.

It’s Not Just the CV—It’s the Whole Strategy

As a professional CV writer, I see the same pattern too often: graduates relying on a template CV and a scattergun approach to applications. While the CV is undeniably important, it’s only one part of the equation. We don’t teach job search strategy in schools or universities, yet we expect young people to navigate one of the most competitive markets in decades entirely on their own.

Job searching today is about understanding how employers think. They’re not hiring to be kind—they’re hiring to solve problems and generate value. Your CV must make a compelling case that you can do exactly that. It must showcase outcomes, not just activities. That finance internship? Don’t just list your duties. Highlight what you improved, saved, streamlined, or learned.

Achievements Over Activities

A line like “responsible for monthly reports” says very little. But “created a streamlined reporting process that reduced turnaround time by 30%” tells an employer exactly how you add value. It’s these concrete, results-driven points that cut through both the ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) and the human review process.

Graduates often have more to offer than they realise—they just don’t know how to frame it. Voluntary work, freelance projects, student society leadership, or even part-time retail roles can all demonstrate transferable skills. Communication, initiative, problem-solving, teamwork: these are gold dust to employers if you know how to frame them correctly. This article might help: https://cvthatworks.co.uk/what-really-sells-you-best-on-your-cv/

AI and ATS: Don’t Get Filtered Out

Caitlin’s struggle with AI filtering systems is another key takeaway. Too many applicants fall at the first hurdle because their CVs aren’t formatted for ATS. That means poor keyword use, incorrect headings, or using PDFs when plain Word docs are needed. These are all small, technical issues—but they can have huge consequences. And again, no one teaches this.

The Bigger Picture

Let’s be clear: the graduate job market is broken in parts. When 140+ candidates are applying for every role, we have to ask why. Is it the oversupply of degrees? The under-resourcing of careers services? The reluctance of employers to invest in junior talent? All of these are factors.

But perhaps the most urgent shift we need is a cultural one: a recognition that getting a job isn’t just about education or ambition—it’s about understanding how to market yourself. Until that knowledge is embedded in our education system, too many graduates will continue to face rejection after rejection.

Final CV Thought

Caitlin’s story, though frustrating, ends in success. But she shouldn’t have had to apply 647 times to get there. The graduate job search doesn’t have to be this hard—but it does require better tools, better preparation, and a better understanding of how the real world of recruitment works.

If you’re a graduate struggling to break through, don’t just rewrite your CV—rethink your whole approach. And if you’re an employer, don’t overlook those with less experience. With the right support, they might just become your most valuable asset.