What's the difference between a £28k job and a £35k job?

The average UK graduate starting salary sits around £28,731, but structured graduate schemes pay closer to £35,000+. Same level. Same experience. Nearly £7,000 a year apart.

So what actually separates them? Two things: research and articulation.

Strong research

This isn't just "know the company before your interview." It starts way earlier than that.

Find the roles and companies advertising the salary range you actually want. Then work backwards. What skills are they asking for? What kind of person are they trying to find? Start building that now - so that by the time you're applying, you're not just a candidate who ticks boxes. You're the person they were looking for. Research gives you direction.

Clear articulation

This is the one most graduates overlook - and it's probably the most important.

Being able to clearly explain what you bring to the table, in language they understand, is genuinely rare. Employers aren't just hiring your skills. They're spending £28k, £35k, or more - and they need to feel confident that money is worth it. They're asking themselves: in a year's time, will I look back and think this was a good hire?

An easy tip: practice talking about your value out loud. It will feel weird, but do it anyway!

(Honourable Mention) Reassurance

Back everything up with examples. Stay calm. Make it easy for them to say yes.

The gap between £28k and £35k isn't luck - it's preparation.

We've got a course covering all of this coming out now on the Applied Skills Fellowship. Sign up today and lock in your discounted price for life. Comment ASF for the link 🔗

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