New research shows some 80% of recruiters say graduates are missing out on job offers because they are deemed ‘not ready for the world of world’!
Research from Regent’s University London found recruiters calling out graduates for a lack of professional maturity and work readiness. These negative attitudes went further, with a fifth saying graduate are ‘work shy’ and ‘lack self-awareness’ when they try to join the workplace.
And, when graduates do land roles, it is taking them longer to prove themselves to their employers, with 71% of recruiters globally saying they have increased probation periods for graduates because of misaligned expectations around work ethics and softer skills.
Worryingly, nearly three-quarters of recruiters also believe that traditional university education does not adequately prepare candidates to thrive in a professional environment. This, says the study, is leading graduates to fail, not because of grades, but because of a disconnect between their theoretical skills and real-world ability.
Professor Geoff Smith, Vice-Chancellor and CEO at Regent’s University London (pictured), said: “It’s increasingly clear that traditional approaches to higher education are no longer preparing students for the realities of employment. With many recruiters believing graduates are ‘work-shy’ despite their eagerness to work, it’s evident that change is needed.”
