Graduate Job Market Data

What is the outlook and effect of the pandemic on the labour market as we come to the end of 2021? 

Positively, the annual recruitment survey from the Institute of Student Employers (ISE) shows that the employment market is recovering.  The survey shows that the UK’s jobs outlook is strengthening, with 50% of firms expecting to grow their workforce next year.

The key figures show:

• that nearly half of firms completing the survey are expecting higher levels of recruitment in the future which is a great optimistic outlook for the new year
• if 2021/2022 recruitment cycle goes as planned, graduate recruiters look to exceed pre-pandemic hiring levels – the number of graduate hires predicted in the 2021–22 recruitment cycle is 15% higher than it was in 2018–19!
• indications are that placement opportunities will take a little more time to recover, perhaps another year or two to see levels increasing again

Although numbers of vacancies are increasing, the number of applicants per role is also high, in fact the ISE average it to around 91 applications per position.  As they highlight, it is quality over quantity – remember to use the Careers Service for application support and advice.

What about recruitment practices?

The ISE survey has shown that employers are continuing with their selection activities online – in fact 93% state their current recruitment is online.   Around half of respondents stated they would continue with online processes for the foreseeable. 

The Careers Service can help and support you with recruitment processes, contact us to access tailored advice.

Is remote working here to stay?

“Compared to working pre-pandemic, 76% expect the use of hybrid working to increase, with 40% expecting full-time remote working to increase” according to the ISE.  Many employers are reviewing plans and approaches differ, but hybrid working is potentially here to stay!

Remember as a graduate you are one of the main sources of new talent for large and small companies alike, gain support with your career options, job hunting and applications through the service.

Targetjobs article: Job hunting during the coronavirus pandemic: what you need to know.

What you should do now?

The University of Lincoln partners with companies to offer graduate internships. These can be sourced by you directly and if you want to work for a particular company, virtually or remotely at this time, you may be eligible for a funded internship.  For further details, visit the Internships advice section of our website.Advice on Internships

New opportunities to meet and engage with businesses through virtual Careers fairs, online events and virtual internships could provide opportunities to engage with companies in a different way. To find virtual events, visit our Events Calendar. Events Calendar

The Careers Service is continuing to source and advertise part time roles, placement opportunities and graduate positions, all advertised on CareerLinc.  Therefore keep checking for live job adverts, update your contact details and set up email job alerts.CareerLinc

For those employers who are continuing with recruitment many are changing their recruitment methods online.  These include application screening, telephone interviews, online assessment centres. The Careers team can support with all aspects of application via our remote services. Accessing Application Support

We know that the current climate may be causing you some concerns with regards to your career, and it may be that you need to review your plans – you can still gain support via our services, all of which are available remotely, via the button below; we are here to help you. Accessing Careers Support