There’s been an increase in graduates who believe their ethnic background, gender, social class or disability is hindering their job search, according to Prospects, the graduate careers service
A survey has indicated that more male and ethnic minority graduates feel disadvantaged when applying for jobs.
According to Prospects, the graduate careers service, there’s been an increase in graduates who believe their ethnic background, gender, social class or disability is hindering their job search. The annual Early Careers Survey by education technology organisation Jisc revealed a rise in respondents feeling disadvantaged during the job application process due to personal characteristics.
The survey found that 54% of ethnic minority graduates felt their ethnicity was a disadvantage when applying for jobs, up from 43% last year. Over three in five (61%) black, African, Caribbean or black British graduates expressed this sentiment, along with 53% of Asian or Asian British graduates, compared to 51% and 49% respectively in 2023.
The survey, which included over 6,000 students and graduates, suggested that female graduates were more likely (15%) than their male counterparts (10%) to feel disadvantaged because of their gender when applying for jobs. However, the percentage of males who reported feeling disadvantaged due to their gender more than doubled from 4% last year.
There were also increased reports of people feeling disadvantaged due to their sexual orientation, social class or disability compared to the previous survey. Chris Rea, a careers expert at Prospects for Jisc, said: “It’s concerning that more graduates are feeling the odds are against them and that there are stark differences emerging.”
He also noted that motivation is a struggle for young people, especially those from disadvantaged groups. “The jobs market is particularly competitive and that could be having an impact on how they’re feeling.”
However, he encouraged graduates not to lose hope: “While graduates may feel disadvantaged this doesn’t mean they should be demoralised. Most employers strive to be more inclusive and see the benefit of diverse teams and it’s important that we get this message through to young people.”
He suggested that transparency in recruitment processes could help: “Employers can help by being transparent about recruitment processes and any support they offer.”
The survey was conducted in January and February, with 6,102 participants, most of whom were either employed or studying at university. Participants also included secondary school students, sixth formers, college students, apprentices, and jobseekers.