What Makes You Employable After Graduation?

A new study by Regent's University London found that most recruiters believe graduates are missing out on job offers.

A new study by Regent's University London and Obsurvant, surveying 552 global hiring and recruitment decision-makers, found that most recruiters believe graduates are missing out on job offers because they are not fully prepared for the workplace.

According to the research, 80% of recruiters believe graduates are missing out on roles due to a lack of professional maturity and work readiness. Some employers also raised concerns about attitudes, with one in five describing candidates as 'work shy' or lacking self-awareness when entering the workplace.

Soft skills now top priority

The findings highlight a growing shift in what employers value most. A strong work ethic was identified as the number one skill graduates are lacking, followed by key soft skills such as communication, decision-making, and accountability.

These interpersonal skills are increasingly important, with 78% of recruiters saying they prioritise candidates who demonstrate strong soft skills over those with purely academic achievements or technical expertise.

Experience matters more than ever

Practical, hands-on experience is also a major factor in employability. One in five recruiters said candidates are falling short because they lack real-world work experience. As a result, 79% of employers now favour graduates who have gained practical experience during their studies.

At the same time, 71% of recruiters feel that traditional university education does not fully prepare students for professional life. This gap between theory and practice means some graduates are missing out on opportunities despite achieving strong grades.

A competitive job market

The research suggests that these skills gaps are having a real impact. One in five recruiters said they have rejected candidates specifically because they were not work-ready.

Combined with increased competition for graduate roles and wider economic pressures, this is making the transition into employment more challenging. Recent data from Jisc shows graduate unemployment rose from 5.6% to 6.2% between 2021/22 and 2022/23, while full-time employment fell from 59% to 56.4%.

Even when graduates do secure jobs, expectations are changing. Around 71% of recruiters said they have extended probation periods to allow more time for new hires to demonstrate the skills and behaviours needed to succeed.

Preparing students for the real world

Professor Geoff Smith, Vice-Chancellor and CEO at Regent's University London, said the findings highlight the need for change in higher education.

"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."

He added that universities must focus on helping students build confidence, communication skills, and real-world experience alongside academic knowledge.

"At Regent's, we prioritise learning by doing, delivering dynamic, collaborative, and experiential classes that tackle real-world challenges alongside practical workshops with brands and businesses. This approach, combined with our truly international community, gives our graduates the resilience, confidence and global fluency they need to step into successful careers."

Check out Regent's modern approach in this short video:

Find out more about how Regent's University London prepares students for the world of work with a different way of learning.