This online research seminar presented recent quantitative research on graduate employability and skill demand in European labour markets, with direct relevance for higher education systems, institutions, and policy. The seminar included a presentation of the research followed by a discussion with a designated discussant and an open exchange with participants.The seminar was organised with the involvement of the EHESO user group on graduate tracking data, which brings together policymakers, researchers, and practitioners working on the analysis and use of graduate outcomes data in Europe.

Abstract

On the basis of 2 812 online job advertisements from 21 European countries the research identifies attributes demanded by employers and explore economic and labour market characteristics associated with the set of required skills. Whereas some employers clearly target ready-to-work candidates for high skilled occupations, others do not even specify skill requirements. The latter are from countries that are moderate or modest innovators with varying levels of high-tech employment activities, a high level of youth unemployment and a low job vacancy rate. The findings suggest employers have raised hiring criteria and have therefore contributed to credential inflation.

Practical information 

• Title:Employability skills and jobs for graduates: learning from job advertisements
• Date: 18 March 2026
• Time: 12:30 p.m. - 14:00 p.m. (CET)
• Format: Online Research Seminar (MS Teams)
• Presenter: Fatima Suleman, University Institute of Lisbon (ISCTE-IUL), DINAMIA’CET
• Discussant: Andrea Kottmann, University of Twente, KiTeS
• Slides (Presentation) and Slides (Discussion)