Reasons Why International Graduates Can’t Land UK Jobs
You may have heard on news channels or social media platforms that international graduates are not getting jobs in the UK. This news is spreading like a fire, making other students worry about their future.
According to a report, only 7% of graduates currently succeed in getting a job. People unquestioningly believe this news. Although it is true but not entirely so, it is essential to understand the reasons behind this situation before panicking. Knowing the reason and taking appropriate measures will help you get a job in the UK.
In this article, we will describe why international graduates can’t land a job in the UK.
Universities Are Not Assisting Students
It is essential to acknowledge that universities do not primarily exist to ensure job placements for their students. While specific professions may necessitate certain degrees, universities fundamentally serve as hubs for research and education. Despite the prevailing notion that higher education is a guaranteed path to employment, this was never their core purpose, and they should not be mistaken for career placement agencies.
Understanding it is crucial because the increasing trend of encouraging more individuals to pursue higher education has led to an oversaturation of degrees. Many institutions are directing their students towards academia, and as a result, graduates are entering the job market without acquiring essential job-seeking skills. Only 2% of international graduates secured employment through their university’s career services. This statistic underscores the inadequacy of the current approach. Most graduates lack the essential knowledge to effectively explore job opportunities, submit applications, and succeed in interviews.
This gap is exacerbated by the fact that a significant proportion of major UK universities have a substantial international student population—approximately 70%. This dynamic directly affects the employability prospects of international graduates within the UK.
The remedy lies in two potential avenues: either universities should offer more comprehensive career guidance, or the system should introduce a new phase to address this issue.
1. Competitive Job Market
The statistics show that 685,000 international students are currently enrolled in UK universities, contributing to a total student population of around 2.6 million in higher education institutions.
Interestingly, a higher concentration of international students is found at the postgraduate level. Nevertheless, their presence seems to be inadequately reflected in postgraduate employment figures.
In the face of these compelling figures and the challenges elucidated earlier, international graduates aspiring to secure jobs in the UK encounter an uphill battle. They must exert more effort than their peers to distinguish themselves in a competitive landscape and secure coveted sponsored positions.
2. No Work Experience
It is undeniable that a significant number of companies are hesitant to consider fresh graduates. Their rationale often revolves around the desire to minimize training periods. These companies seek individuals with a track record of prior work experience who can seamlessly shoulder job responsibilities.
Given that many students are armed only with academic exposure and lack a hands-on work history, they encounter obstacles in their job search.
However, even without work experience, there is a valuable route to pursue: skill development. This avenue holds particular significance in the UK, where there is a demand for skilled labor. By honing a specific skill set, you enhance your employability quotient. It can be a passport to a job in the UK, even if your work history is limited.
3. Improper CV
The initial perception formed by recruiters often depends on the CV applicants submit. Crafting a CV is a refined skill, an art we have become adept at. The landscape is inundated with numerous guides and divergent counsel, which can bewilder recent graduates striving to navigate this terrain.
What was once a matter of content and layout has evolved in the era of digitalization. Nowadays, the journey of a CV involves traversing AI barriers before it even reaches the discerning eyes of hiring managers.
Ensuring your CV is meticulously tailored for optimal compatibility with applicant tracking systems (ATS) is imperative.
4. No Preparation Of Interview
The interview stage is an essential requirement for students seeking employment opportunities. Regrettably, many approach these interviews with a lackadaisical attitude, failing to prepare adequately. The consequence is an inability to effectively address interview questions and a struggle to communicate formally during the proceedings. Additionally, individuals with deficient communication skills are ill-equipped to provide comprehensive responses.
In light of these challenges, placing a premium on practice is advisable. Diligent preparation involves immersing oneself in interview-related materials, including video resources. Doing so can enhance their readiness and confidently navigate the interview process, ensuring they respond thoughtfully and communicate proficiently.
5. No Digital Skills
According to a 2021 study by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, a forecast indicates that the demand for data analysis skills will experience the most rapid growth, projected to increase by 33% over the next five years.
A recent report from McKinsey has raised the alarm that by 2030, a significant portion – roughly two-thirds – of the UK workforce might find themselves lacking in fundamental digital skills. The current trajectory of technological advancement, including the rise of automation, AI advancement, and the pervasive influence of the Internet of Things, underscores data’s pivotal role in propelling the UK’s economy forward.
Graduates who neglect to cultivate these essential skills are disadvantaged in an environment marked by challenging competition.
6. Fewer Opportunities
International graduates lack specialized skills and encounter limited job opportunities in the UK. The UK currently faces a significant demand for skilled workers, resulting in a scarcity of job openings for individuals without specific expertise. This stark skill gap presents a substantial challenge for international students seeking employment in the UK.
In addition, the high demand for skilled workers is rooted in the evolving nature of the job landscape. Industries increasingly rely on individuals with specialized knowledge, technical proficiency, and the ability to contribute immediately upon employment. These skilled workers drive innovation, productivity, and growth within the economy.
Consequently, international graduates lacking these specialized skills face an uphill battle to secure employment. The job market prioritizes candidates who can swiftly integrate into the workforce, and those without distinct skills are left behind. It highlights the need for international students to actively pursue skill development and the larger economic context that drives the emphasis on skills in the UK job market.
Factors Leading To Lack Of Jobs For International Graduates In UK
Here are some factors contributing to the lack of jobs for international graduates in the UK:
i. Visa Restrictions And Immigration Policies
One of the most significant barriers faced by international graduates is the stringent visa and immigration policies in the UK.
After completing their studies, international students are often granted a limited period (usually four to six months) to find a job under the Tier 4 Student Visa.
If they fail to secure a job within this timeframe, they are required to leave the country. This short period creates immense pressure on graduates to secure employment quickly, making the job search process even more challenging.
ii. Limited Understanding of the Local Job Market
Understanding the complexities of the UK job market is essential for successful job hunting. It includes knowledge about industry norms, cultural expectations, and preferred job search platforms.
International graduates might struggle with these aspects, as they often have different educational backgrounds, work experiences, and cultural contexts.
This lack of understanding can lead to mismatches between their skills and the job market’s requirements.
iii. Bias and Discrimination
While the UK job market is diverse, international graduates sometimes face biases and discrimination during the hiring process.
Some employers might perceive language barriers, differences in qualifications, or concerns about work visas as obstacles, even if these assumptions are unfounded.
Such biases can lead to qualified candidates being overlooked, preventing them from contributing their skills and expertise to the UK workforce.
iv. Lack Of Local Network
A robust professional network is a crucial asset when searching for a job, as it provides access to job openings, recommendations, and insights into the job market.
International graduates often lack a well-established local network, which puts them at a disadvantage compared to their domestic peers.
Many UK employers rely on referrals from existing employees or industry contacts, leaving international graduates without these connections and struggling to access job opportunities.
v. Economic Uncertainties and Pandemic Impact
Global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have further heightened the challenges faced by international graduates in the UK job market.
The economic uncertainties brought about by the pandemic have led many employers to freeze hiring, reduce workforce sizes, or shift their focus to retaining existing employees rather than recruiting new ones.
It has made the job market even more competitive and challenging to navigate.
vi. Skill Mismatch
Another significant issue is the potential mismatch between international graduates’ skills and the skills demanded by the UK job market.
Graduates might have qualifications and experience not directly transferable to the UK context.
This skill gap can lead to employers favoring candidates with local education and experience, leaving international graduates struggling to prove their relevance.
Final Thought - Reasons Can’t Get UK Jobs
Navigating the UK job market as an international graduate is complex, influenced by visa restrictions, bias, and skill gaps. Challenges include stringent visa policies, limited understanding of local job trends, biases, economic uncertainties, and the pandemic’s impact.
To overcome these hurdles, graduates should proactively enhance employability by developing relevant skills. Addressing skill gaps and improving communication is crucial. Understanding the digital landscape is vital as technology shapes the UK economy.
Despite challenges, international graduates can succeed by comprehensive preparation, skill development, and adapting to evolving job market needs. Taking these steps positions graduates for success and positive contributions to the UK workforce.
