Unemployed after graduation - what to do next?

Contents:

1. What should you do if you are unemployed after graduation?
2. Do you have to register as unemployed after graduation?
3. Universal Credit or Job Seekers Allowance: What you can apply for after graduation
4. Registering as unemployed after graduation - here's what you should do
5. How do you start your career after graduation?

You have finally finished studying - but what if you don't find a job straight after graduation? This is a question you may be asking yourself at the moment, but it shouldn't worry you too much. After all, with an unemployment rate of 12 percent[1], university graduates have good chances on the labour market. Even though it can take an average of three to four months, over 79 per cent of university graduates eventually find a permanent job. Do you have to register as unemployed during this transitional period? Do you have a right to unemployment benefits after graduation and how do you spend the period of unemployment meaningfully? Here are our tips that are sure to help you.

What should you do if you are unemployed after graduation?

If you are unemployed after graduation, you should not lose heart immediately. The job prospects are still good for you. In the time between your studies and starting your career, you would of course do well to use your time wisely to find a way out of your current situation as quickly as possible. You should also make sure that you are still financially secure. What can you do to achieve this? We have the answers for you.

Do you have to register as unemployed after graduation?

If you cannot start your professional life straight after graduation, you do not necessarily have to register as unemployed. Some graduates can finance themselves or receive financial support from their family or partner. Some, however, might depend on the state's financial support to devote themselves fully to their job search and further education. In any case, you can contact your local Jobcentre Plus early on to get expert advice.

Universal Credit or Job Seekers Allowance: What you can apply for after graduation

If you want to apply for benefits after graduation, you first have to deal with state bureaucracy. But don't let that discourage you straight away - we'll guide you through the mass of forms.

First of all, one thing should be made clear from the outset: After graduation if you have worked and paid National Insurance (NI) contributions during the last 2 years it is best to claim contribution-based or the new style Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA) (if you are in a Universal Credit area). This is because your savings, capital and partner’s income won’t affect your claim. More on this below. But first let's look at Universal Credit.

Universal Credit was introduced in 2013 and is a payment provided to those over the age of 18 who are out of work or on a low income. You do not necessarily have an entitlement, however.

The following limits are set for who can claim Universal Credit:

• You have more than £16,000 in savings.
• If you have between £6,000 and £16,000 in savings, then a reduction is calculated based on the amount you have. Any savings under £6,000 are ignored.
• In the case of joint households with parents or partners, their income is also taken into account.
• Shared flats are not considered joint households

Universal Credit is usually paid on a monthly basis. The maximum amount you can receive per month is:  

• Under 25: £342.72
• Over 25: £409.89
• Couple under 25: £488.59 per couple
• Couple over 25: £594.04 per couple

The eligibility criteria include:

• Aged 18 or over
• Not in full-time education
• Unemployed or working less than 18 hours a week
• Actively searching for work
• Rights to work in the UK

JSA is usually paid every two weeks. The maximum amount you could receive per week is as follows:

• Aged 24 or under: £58.90
• Aged 25 or over: £74.35
• Couples over 18: £116.80 per couple

Registering as unemployed after graduation - here's what you should do

There are a couple of ways you can claim New Style JSA:

• contact the Department for Work and Pensions on 0800 055 6688 (textphone 0800 023 4888)
• visit GOV.UK to make a claim online.

How do you start your career after graduation?

Once your finances are settled, finding a job will certainly be your top priority. Don't get discouraged now, but stay on the ball and try to keep applying regularly. Maybe there are possibilities you haven't exhausted yet. With our tips, you can push your job search even further so that you don't stay unemployed for long after graduation.

Research the career profiles and jobs that match your degree

Is it possible that your degree qualifies you for professions that you have not yet considered? The career opportunities might be greater than you think. If you study civil engineering, for example, you will not only be able to design buildings, but also prepare expert reports or advise the construction industry.

Use the counselling services of your college or university

Nowadays, students have a wide range of counselling services at their disposal. For example, you can make an appointment here to help your career orientation, decision-making or to have your application documents checked. Of course, universities also want to make sure that you don't become unemployed after graduation.

Grow your network

Those who cultivate relationships increase their chances of finding a job. Especially as a student, membership in the alumni network of your university is a good idea. Moreover, nowhere can you make such good contacts as at a career and job fair. Here, companies introduce themselves in person, you can take a closer look at numerous companies and talk to recruiters.

Don't search in the same place as everybody else

According to the Federation of Small Businesses, total employment in SMEs was 16.3 million (61% of the total)[2]. This includes family businesses as well as start-ups. Some SMEs are only known in their region. They are often based in their province, but that doesn't necessarily make them provincial. Many have international locations.

Do an internship

During your studies, you usually don't have the time to gain valuable work experience. Wouldn't now be an ideal time to catch up? An internship is not only good to fill the gap in your CV. The practical experience gained can also be an advantage in your job search. If you are convincing during your internship, you may also have the chance of being offered a permanent position.

Educate yourself further

Instead of kicking back, you can use the time to upgrade your qualification profile. With further training you can gain valuable advantages over other applicants, be it a course to improve your foreign language skills or your IT skills. There are many possibilities

Create a profile on JobTeaser

With a profile on JobTeaser you have the opportunity to actively search for jobs. Here you will find job offers from numerous companies that are specially tailored to the profiles of students and graduates. But companies can also find you through your profile and recruit you for graduate jobs. This way, you're guaranteed not to be unemployed for long after graduation!

No profile yet? Register now for free with JobTeaser

[1] Source: https://standout-cv.com/uk-graduate-statistics#:~:text=Key%20UK%20Graduate%20Statistics,-In%202023%2C%20estimates&text=Recent%20graduates%20(2020%20onwards)%20currently,2021%2C%20where%20155%2C955%20were%20awarded

[2] Source: https://www.fsb.org.uk/uk-small-business-statistics.html