padgrad is a free career platform for graduates. It matches jobs to your degree, generates AI-powered CV checks and cover letters, and sends daily personalised job digests matched to your field of study.

Yes. You get 10 free credits on sign-up to use on AI CV checks and cover letters. All other tools — job matching, budgeting, application tracking, rejection logging — are free with no credit card required.

How does the AI CV Checker work?

Upload your CV and paste a job description. The AI analyses your CV against the role requirements, gives you an ATS compatibility score out of 100, and tells you exactly what keywords and formatting changes to make — helping you pass automated screening systems used by graduate recruiters.

How many jobs should I apply for as a graduate?

Graduates typically need to send between 20 and 50 applications to land a role, with top graduate schemes receiving an average of 58 applications per vacancy. Focus on quality over quantity — tailor each CV and cover letter to the role rather than spamming the same application everywhere.

How long does it take to get a graduate job?

Most graduates take between 3 and 6 months to land their first graduate role, though it varies by sector. Consulting, tech, and investment banking tend to have faster hiring cycles. Larger graduate schemes can take 4-6 months from application to offer.

What is the average graduate salary for 2026?

Graduate salaries vary widely by country, sector and region. Investment banking, law and tech tend to pay the highest, while public sector and charity roles typically start lower. Salaries in major cities usually sit above the national average — check local salary guides for figures relevant to your market.

How do I write a graduate CV with no work experience?

Focus on transferable skills from your degree — research projects, group assignments, presentations, and coursework. Include volunteering, society memberships, part-time jobs, and any placements or internships. Use Padgrad's CV Builder to structure your CV for ATS systems, then run it through the AI CV Checker to see how it scores.

How are jobs matched to my degree on padgrad?

We scrape thousands of graduate jobs daily and match them to over 300 specific degree fields. Whether you studied Biology, Law, Engineering, Psychology, or History — we only show you roles that fit your subject area and send them straight to your daily digest.

Do graduate schemes pay well?

Graduate schemes typically pay a competitive starting salary, with some industries paying significantly more. Law firms and investment banks often pay the most. Most schemes also offer benefits like bonuses, pension contributions, and professional qualification sponsorship — check each employer's offer for the specifics.

How many applications does it take to get a graduate job?

Research shows top employers receive an average of 58 applications per graduate vacancy. Most successful graduates send 20-40 tailored applications before receiving an offer. Track every application using Padgrad's Application Tracker to spot which types of roles you progress furthest in.

Can I apply for graduate jobs before I graduate?

Yes — most large graduate schemes open applications 6-12 months before the role starts, so you should apply in your final year. Smaller companies and direct-entry roles tend to hire closer to the start date. Padgrad's daily job digest includes both graduate schemes and entry-level roles you can apply for straight away.

What should a graduate CV include?

A strong graduate CV should include: your degree with predicted or achieved grade, relevant modules and dissertation topic, transferable skills (research, teamwork, communication), part-time work or volunteering, technical skills and software proficiency, and a personal profile. Most recruiters spend under 10 seconds scanning a CV — use Padgrad's AI CV Checker to make sure yours passes the six-second test.

Choosing the right graduate references is key when job hunting. Learn who to ask, how to request one, and what to do with no experience. Start on Padgrad today.

Graduate References Guide: Who to Ask and How to Ask

TL;DR

Most employers ask for two references: one academic and one work or character referee.
Always ask permission before you list someone as a referee.
Lecturers, managers, and volunteer coordinators make the best choices.
Family members and close friends usually do not count.

Your graduate references can decide whether you get the job. Many graduates treat them as an afterthought. That is a mistake. A strong referee can confirm your skills and your character. A weak one can cost you the offer. This guide shows you who to ask, how to ask, and what to do when you have no work experience yet.

Employers really do check. CareerBuilder research in the US has found that around 7 in 10 employers check references before they make an offer. In the UK, the Acas guidance sets out how references should work. So your graduate references are not a formality. They are part of the hiring decision.

Why Graduate References Matter

References give employers proof. Your CV shows what you say you did. A referee confirms that you really did it. They also speak to things your CV cannot show, like your reliability, your honesty, and how you handle pressure.

Background screening data from Edify (US, 2025) shows that around 75% of employers verify employment and education history before hiring. References are part of that check. When two candidates are similar, the one with stronger references usually wins.

Graduate References: Who Should You Choose?

Choose people who know you and can speak to your strengths. Pick referees who will answer quickly and say good things. Here are the three main types.

Academic referees

A lecturer or tutor is the classic choice for a new graduate. They can confirm your degree, your grades, and your attitude in class. Choose someone who taught you more than once. A tutor who knows your name is better than a professor you met once in a big lecture.

Work referees

Any paid job counts, even part-time work. A manager from a shop, a cafe, or an internship can confirm your punctuality and your teamwork. Do not dismiss casual work. Employers like referees who saw you show up on time and do the job.

Character referees

No work or academic referee? Use a character referee. A volunteer coordinator, a sports coach, or a club leader can vouch for your honesty and your commitment. They should know you well and be easy for an employer to reach.

How Many References Do You Need?

Most applications ask for two. One should be academic. The other can be work or character. Check the form before you apply. Some firms ask for three.

Referee type	Who to ask	What they confirm
Academic	A lecturer or tutor who taught you.	Your grades, your effort, and your attendance.
Professional	A manager from a job, placement, or internship.	Your reliability, your skills, and your teamwork.
Character	A volunteer coordinator, coach, or club leader.	Your honesty, your attitude, and your commitment.

How to Ask for a Reference

Always ask before you add a name. Never list someone without their permission. Ask by email or in person. Give them time and context.

Here is a simple script you can adapt:

"Dear [Name], I hope you are well. I am applying for a [role] at [firm]. You taught me [course] and I learned a lot. Would you be happy to act as a reference for me? The deadline is [date]. I can send my CV and the job details. Thank you for your time."

Make it easy for them. Send your CV and the job description. Tell them what to highlight. Remind them a week before the deadline. And always send a thank-you note when they agree.

What If You Have No Work Experience?

This is common for new graduates. You still have options. Use a lecturer from your final year. Use a tutor from your course. Use a volunteer coordinator if you gave your time to a charity or a campus group.

Even part-time jobs count as experience. A summer job, a family business, or a freelance project all show something. If you have nothing at all, ask a mentor or a careers adviser. And make sure your CV is ready first. See our guide to CVs that beat ATS systems before you ask anyone for their time.

Reference Mistakes to Avoid

Never use family members or close friends as referees.
Never list someone who does not know you well.
Never use an old contact number or email address.
Never ask at the last minute. Give people two weeks.
Never let a referee be surprised by your application.

What Happens After You Apply

Employers usually check references at the offer stage. That means your referee may not be contacted until late in the process. Tell your referees where you have applied. Warn them when a call may come. Run through the full graduate application checklist while you wait.

If you keep your referees informed, they will speak well of you. If you forget them, they may be slow or confused. A little courtesy goes a long way.

Your Next Step

Your CV and your references work together. Check both before you apply. Use our free CV checker to make sure your CV is ready. Then pick your referees, ask them early, and keep them updated.

References are a small part of the process, but they can tip the balance. Choose well, ask politely, and stay in touch. When you land the role, keep your referees posted. They helped you get there. Then plan how to succeed in your first 90 days in the job.

Ready to find your first graduate role? Padgrad sends you fresh graduate jobs every day, matched to your skills. Sign up free and get your daily digest.

By Ori