Why Your Degree Didn’t Get You a Job (And What to Do About It)

Harry Aloysius
Jul 1
2 min read

Introduction: You Did Everything Right, But Still No Job?

You graduated. You followed the usual advice. Yet, you're still struggling to get hired. It's frustrating—and you're not alone.

Let’s break down why your degree didn’t get you a job and what practical steps you can take next.

Reason 1: Your Degree Alone Isn’t a Hiring Signal Anymore

Employers today look beyond academic qualifications. A degree shows you completed a course, but it doesn’t automatically prove you’re job-ready.

What they really want:

Real-world problem solving
Clear communication
Team collaboration

Understanding why your degree didn’t get you a jobHiring today is skill-first. Experience, even if small, matters more than marks.

Reason 2: You Lack Proof of Skills (Not the Skills Themselves)

You might know digital marketing, design, or coding basics—but where have you shown it?

What you can do:

Build a portfolio with small personal or freelance projects
Do internships or gig work to create real examples
Share learnings on LinkedIn or Instagram

Even unpaid projects can help. Visibility is more important than perfection.

Reason 3: You Haven’t Updated How You Apply

Mass applying through job portals with the same CV no longer works. Recruiters skim hundreds of profiles.

What helps:

Customise your CV and message for each role
Use a short, tailored cover email
Focus on keywords from the job description

Fixing your approach if you’re wondering why your degree didn’t get you a jobYou need to show relevance, not just availability.

Reason 4: You Waited Too Long to Upskill

Learning shouldn't stop at graduation. Many entry-level jobs today expect basic knowledge of tools, platforms, and soft skills not taught in college.

What to try:

Free or affordable courses in your field (Google, Coursera, etc.)
Online certifications with portfolio-based learning
Attend virtual workshops or community challenges

Consistency beats credentials when it comes to learning.

Reason 5: You’re Not Networking Actively

Most first jobs come through referrals, not cold applications. Yet many graduates avoid reaching out.

How to begin:

Connect with alumni, professionals, or mentors on LinkedIn
Join interest-based communities (Slack, Discord, Telegram)
Ask smart questions—not just for favours

People hire people they trust. Build that trust, one message at a time.

Start Building What Your Degree Didn’t Teach You

At School of Kreate, we help students and graduates build practical, market-ready skills that get noticed. From branding to content, freelancing to strategy, our hands-on learning model fills the gap between theory and work.

👉 Visit School of Kreate to learn what actually gets you hired.