Ulster University Graduate Employer Survey Reveals Shift in Recruitment Methods and AI Adoption

The 2025 Ulster University Graduate Employer Survey provides insights into the graduate labour market in Northern Ireland, highlighting a slowdown in hiring, an increase in AI adoption among candidates, and a re-emergence of face-to-face recruitment and selection activities. The survey reveals that only 4% of employers have adopted AI into their recruitment processes, with many expressing concerns over its impact and potential misuse. Meanwhile, graduates are increasingly relying on AI tools to boost their applications and stand out in a competitive job market.

Key Takeaways:

• 31% of employers stated that AI presents risks, citing concerns over candidates exaggerating or misrepresenting skills by using generative tools.
• 50% of respondents suspect that candidates are using AI during the graduate recruitment process, but 64% have not considered using AI detection tools.
• 45% of employers reported that graduate intake will increase over the next year, representing a 17% decrease in comparison to 2022.
• The average starting salary of graduate recruits is likely to fall into the £21-25K salary band.
• 80% of employers re-recruit placement students.
• 90% stated work experience (including placement) and degree classification are important in graduate selection.
• 35% reported an undersupply of graduate skills.
• 32% recruited international students into graduate roles.
• 21% experienced retention challenges.
• Employers value the importance of AI proficiency in future workforce and consider it a standard skill.
• Traditional recruitment methods such as face-to-face interviews and online interviews have withstood the disruption caused by the Covid pandemic.

Statistics:

• 4% of employers have adopted AI into their recruitment processes.
• 31% of employers stated that AI presents risks.
• 50% of respondents suspect that candidates are using AI during the graduate recruitment process.
• £21-25K: the average starting salary band for graduate recruits.
• 80%: percentage of employers who re-recruit placement students.
• 90%: percentage of employers who stated work experience and degree classification are important in graduate selection.
• 35%: percentage of employers who reported an undersupply of graduate skills.
• 32%: percentage of employers who recruited international students into graduate roles.
• 21%: percentage of employers who experienced retention challenges.

Sources:

• Ulster University Graduate Employer Survey Report (2025).
• Ulster University Employer Survey Report.