57% of employers say graduates are less job-ready

The transition from education to employment is becoming increasingly challenging. While organisations continue to see young talent as essential for future growth, many employers are questioning whether recent graduates are adequately equipped for today's workplace.

According to new research by global talent solutions specialist Robert Walters, 57% of employers believe that recent graduates are less prepared for the job market than previous generations. By comparison, only 7% believe graduates today are better prepared than those who entered the workforce in the past.

According to Kevin Blockx, Senior Manager at Robert Walters Belgium, this does not mean employers are losing confidence in young professionals. Instead, expectations are evolving. "Employers don't expect graduates to arrive with every skill already mastered. The real challenge is closing the gap between what organisations need today and what graduates have had the opportunity to develop. As a result, hiring decisions are increasingly based on growth potential: how quickly someone can learn, adapt and take ownership."

Potential outweighs experience

Despite concerns about graduate readiness, employers are not necessarily looking for candidates with extensive experience. Instead, learning agility has become the defining quality when hiring entry-level talent.

Seven in ten employers say that motivation and the willingness to learn are the most important factors when recruiting graduates. Personality and cultural fit rank second (26%), while academic qualifications or field of study are considered the most important factor by just 4% of employers.

Kevin believes these findings reflect a broader shift in recruitment priorities. "A degree remains essential for many specialised roles, but it no longer tells the whole story. Employers are increasingly looking for people who are curious, proactive and eager to develop. The first years of a career are now seen as a shared investment in long-term growth, for both employer and employee."

Digital skills (including AI literacy) are becoming expected

Alongside academic qualifications, employers increasingly expect graduates to possess strong digital capabilities. Knowledge of generative AI tools is also rapidly moving from a desirable extra to a workplace expectation.

"Many organisations now expect early-career professionals to use AI to support research, administration, communication and problem-solving. The ability to use AI responsibly and critically is becoming an important complement to traditional workplace skills, rather than being viewed as a specialist technical competency," says Kevin.

Preparing graduates is a shared responsibility

The findings highlight that helping graduates make a successful transition into employment requires collaboration between education providers, employers and young professionals themselves.

Employers have a responsibility to clearly communicate which skills matter most and provide the guidance needed to develop them. At the same time, graduates need to better demonstrate the capabilities they have already gained through internships, university projects, extracurricular activities and part-time work.

"The question is no longer simply whether graduates are ready for work. It's equally important to ask whether organisations are ready to support graduates effectively. Companies that expect new hires to perform perfectly from day one often overlook the enormous potential they can unlock over time. Successful early-career hiring increasingly depends on clear expectations, structured onboarding and continuous feedback from the very beginning", Kevin concludes.

Looking for young talent to join your team?

Upload your vacancy, or contact a consultant in one of our offices. 

Our new guide, “Building the Workforce of Tomorrow”, explores practical ways to turn early-career talent into a longer-term source of capability.