1.
previous graduate; person who has already graduated
A person who has already graduated from school but has not yet secured employment. In the Japanese job market, this term specifically refers to graduates who missed the standard new-graduate hiring cycle.
既卒向けの求人を探している。
I'm looking for job postings for previous graduates.
既卒でも応募できる企業は増えている。
More companies are accepting applications from previous graduates.
新卒で就職できなかったので、既卒として就職活動を続けている。
Since I couldn't get a job as a new graduate, I'm continuing my job search as a previous graduate.
USAGE:
既卒 is a job-market term specific to Japan's hiring system. Japanese companies traditionally hire 新卒 (new graduates) in a standardized annual cycle. Those who graduate without landing a job are classified as 既卒 and may face disadvantages in the hiring process, though this has been gradually changing.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 既卒採用 (hiring of previous graduates)
- 既卒向け (aimed at previous graduates)
- 既卒者 (previous graduate — as a person)
CONTRAST:
- 新卒 — new graduate (graduating in the current academic year)
- 既卒 — previous graduate (already graduated, not yet employed)
- 第二新卒 — someone who left their first job within a few years