Akshaya Josy has applied for almost 50 jobs in public relations since graduating with a master’s degree last December. But she’s had just two interviews, and has become so frustrated she’s started applying for casual retail jobs to make ends meet.

“I’ve tried recruitment agencies, but the moment you tell them you’re an entry-level employee trying to find a job, you get ghosted,” said Ms Josy, 26, who has more than two years’ relevant experience in India on top of her Queensland University of Technology qualification.