How many applications is normal before a first job?

There is no reliable published figure we'd stand behind. What we can say is that response rates rise sharply when applications are targeted rather than mass-sent.

Should I do an unpaid internship?

Only if it's genuinely short, genuinely teaches you something, and you can afford it. Unpaid work of significant length is often unlawful — check the rules where you are.

Graduates

Why can't graduates get jobs?

If you have applied for dozens of graduate roles and heard almost nothing, the explanation is rarely that you aren't good enough. It's that the process cannot see anything about you except a qualification thousands of others also hold.

For graduates · Last reviewed 2026-09-01

What is actually happening

Graduate schemes receive enormous volumes and screen mechanically
Employers ask for experience because it reduces their risk, not because a degree is worthless
Generic applications lose to specific ones at every stage
Most first jobs are not in graduate schemes at all — they're at smaller employers

The fix is evidence

You cannot wait to be given experience. You can create evidence: a small paid project, a volunteer deliverable with a real brief, a portfolio piece, a freelance job for a local business. One concrete thing beats another certificate.

Stop competing only where everyone competes

Graduate schemes are the most competitive entry route that exists. Smaller employers hire all year, interview more humanly, and often give you more responsibility sooner.

Fix the CV specifically

Lead with what you produced, not what you studied
Name the target role at the top
Include part-time and casual work — it demonstrates reliability
Cut modules, predicted grades and generic personal statements

Common questions

How many applications is normal before a first job?: There is no reliable published figure we'd stand behind. What we can say is that response rates rise sharply when applications are targeted rather than mass-sent.
Should I do an unpaid internship?: Only if it's genuinely short, genuinely teaches you something, and you can afford it. Unpaid work of significant length is often unlawful — check the rules where you are.

Not sure which part applies to you?

The assessment scores your position and tells you what to fix first.

Take the assessment

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