The number of graduate vacancies on Reed's website has fallen from around 180,000 three or four years ago to just 50,000, the recruitment firm says. James Reed, the company's chair and chief executive who has spent 30 years watching how employers make decisions, is frustrated at how difficult the process has become.
Many employers now use artificial intelligence systems to screen applications before a human sees them. Reed believes that “computers shouldn't reject people”. If AI is being used, he suggests the technology is probably comparing the job description with your CV or cover letter, so applicants should “try and mirror the job description with your skills and experience”. He warns against lying: “It's really important you don't lie,” but says if the job asks for communication, organisation or customer service, make sure your application clearly shows where you have done those things.
“Graduate vacancies on Reed website drop from 180,000 to 50,000 as recruitment boss shares job-hunting tips.”
The problem is worse because employers are hiring less, so often look for candidates who already have some know-how. Reed advises building experience wherever possible — “even if it's temporary, casual or part-time” — through work, volunteering, community projects or free online training, such as Anthropic's AI academy. If you get in front of an employer and are feeling brave, he suggests making the point directly: “Someone gave you your first opportunity, that's all I'm looking for.”
Reed is not against using AI to help with applications, calling it a “wonderful tool” that can improve your application. But he warns against letting the technology do all the work because “if you leave it as AI-only then it'll be identical to lots of other people's and the point is to stand out”.
His main piece of advice: “Make sure your CV says who you are.” He says it should be one page, with the opening top statement right, and get advice from people to make sure it really sounds like you and is a document you feel proud of. Reed jokes that while he doesn't mind the odd spelling mistake “because it shows it was written by a human, not AI”, attention to detail is really important.