The news is sobering. According to new data from Adzuna, entry-level vacancies in the UK have dropped to their lowest level in five years. Employers are cutting back on lower-paid roles for younger staff in the wake of higher National Insurance contributions, rising minimum wages, and broader cost pressures. At the same time, AI is displacing many of the “grunt work” tasks that used to give graduates their first foot in the door.
Competition is fierce, with nearly two jobseekers for every vacancy, and whole sectors — from healthcare to hospitality — reporting sharp drops in openings. Yet, there’s growth elsewhere: contract work is up 22%, and industries like construction and trade are still hiring.
So, how can graduates and young jobseekers navigate this uneven, stop-start market? By investing in the one asset you control fully: your human capital. That’s what the Graduate GAME Plan is designed to unlock. Here are five tips to get started:
1. Set Clear, Personal Goals
In a market where permanent graduate schemes are shrinking, “any job” thinking won’t cut it. Decide whether your goal is to build sector-specific experience, earn flexible income, or create a portfolio career. A clear goal helps you filter opportunities in a noisy marketplace.
2. Take Small, Consistent Actions
With vacancies down 1.24% in just three months, waiting for the “perfect role” is risky. Instead, apply consistently, showcase projects online, and reach out to one new connection each week. Regular, intentional action cuts through the bottleneck of falling opportunities.
3. Expand Your Means Beyond Money
Fewer entry-level contracts don’t mean fewer ways to build experience. Consider freelancing, volunteering, or joining short-term projects. Contract work — now sharply rising — can expand your CV, grow your network, and build the credibility employers value.
4. Build Habits to Overcome Obstacles
Rejection rates are higher when nearly two candidates chase every role. Make resilience part of your toolkit: track small wins, reframe “no” as practice, and refine your CV or interview skills after every attempt. Persistence is the antidote to scarcity.
5. Execute with Agility
Today’s job market rewards those willing to pivot. If healthcare or hospitality roles are shrinking, look at sectors like construction or retail where demand is growing. The GAME Plan teaches you to adapt, experiment, and seize opportunities as they emerge.
Final Thought
The data makes it clear: the traditional graduate pipeline is narrowing. But your future isn’t defined by today’s vacancy numbers. By focusing on your Goals, Actions, Means, and Execution, you can transform your human capital into opportunity — even in a cooling economy.
👉 Ready to take control? Check out the Graduate GAME Plan package — a step-by-step toolkit to unlock your potential — for less than a tenner. It could be the smartest investment you’ll ever make.
Academy of Life Planning 