Graduates are increasingly missing out on job offers because they are not considered ready for the workplace, according to new research that suggests a widening gap between academic achievement and professional expectations.
A survey commissioned by Regent’s University London found that 80 per cent of recruiters believe graduates are losing out on roles due to a lack of professional maturity and work readiness. A further fifth described some candidates as “work shy” and lacking self-awareness.
Recruiters said a strong work ethic was the most commonly missing attribute among graduates, followed by communication skills, decision-making ability and accountability. These softer skills are now seen as more important than academic credentials, with 78 per cent of employers saying they prioritise candidates with strong interpersonal skills over those with top grades or technical expertise.
Practical experience is also viewed as critical. Nearly one in five recruiters said graduates fail to secure roles because they lack hands-on, on-the-job experience. As a result, 79 per cent said they favour applicants who have practical work exposure over those without it.
The findings reflect broader concerns about how well traditional university education prepares students for employment. More than 70 per cent of recruiters surveyed said higher education does not adequately equip graduates to thrive in professional environments, suggesting many are struggling not because of academic shortcomings but because of a disconnect between theory and real-world capability.
One in five recruiters said they had rejected candidates directly because of skills gaps they attributed to shortcomings in university preparation.
The pressures are compounded by rising competition for graduate roles and a softening labour market. Data from Jisc show graduate unemployment increased from 5.6 per cent to 6.2 per cent between 2021/22 and 2022/23, while the proportion in full-time employment fell from 59 per cent to 56.4 per cent.
Even when graduates do secure roles, employers report longer periods before they are deemed fully effective. Seventy-one per cent of recruiters said they have extended probation periods for graduate hires because of misaligned expectations around work ethic and softer skills.
Professor Geoff Smith, vice-chancellor and chief executive of Regent’s University London, said the findings highlighted the need for reform in higher education.
“It’s increasingly clear that traditional approaches to higher education are no longer preparing students for the realities of employment,” he said. “Universities must evolve to ensure students can communicate effectively and thrive in professional settings.”
He said Regent’s prioritises experiential learning, collaborative projects and practical engagement with businesses to bridge the gap between academic study and workplace expectations.
The research underscores growing employer concerns that academic success alone is no longer sufficient in a competitive labour market where adaptability, resilience and interpersonal capability are increasingly prized.
Jamie Young
Jamie is Senior Reporter at Business Matters, bringing over a decade of experience in UK SME business reporting.
Jamie holds a degree in Business Administration and regularly participates in industry conferences and workshops.
When not reporting on the latest business developments, Jamie is passionate about mentoring up-and-coming journalists and entrepreneurs to inspire the next generation of business leaders.
