Confused graduates are struggling to come to terms with life after university.

A survey by Confused.com and the University of Bristol has found more than eight out of 10 graduates are baffled as to how to make the transition from student to a young professional in the crowded jobs market.

Among the cross-section of 6,000 people from the UK, around 80 percent of 16 to 25-year-olds said they were confused by what to put into their CV, what employers are looking for and how to approach job interviews.

Some 22 percent admitted they felt over-qualified for their jobs while nearly 70 percent said they are puzzled by job applications.

Psychologist, Dr Peter Collett said: “Confusion is so severe that psychologists have recently upgraded confusion to a fully-fledged emotion. 80 percent of the UK suffers from confusion at some point but in varying ways as individuals. People can go to www.confusednation.co.uk to discover ways to help combat that confusion.”

Dr Collett outlined steps you can take to alleviate career confusion:

Step 1 – Investigation
If you’re thinking about a particular career or even if you have no idea, the most productive thing you can do some time investigating. Researching careers online or at a careers library will provide a greater understanding of industries and reduce confusion. Asking questions is the key: you may have a neighbour or family friend who works in the industry or they may know someone to put you in contact with to find out more.

Step 2 - Consulting
Consult with careers advisors, teachers and industry professionals. By contacting a local company and asking to speak to a member of staff or HR manager could help answer lots of burning questions and provide expert advice of how to break into the industry.

Step 3 - Prioritising
Still confused? Write down five things you enjoy or are good at. Then write down five things you don’t enjoy or struggle with. Use this list as a set of guidelines when looking for your next job. By prioritising what you want from your new role/career will help make decisions on what jobs to apply for and save you time. But remember to be open to career progression and that being entry level isn’t always glamorous!

Step 4 - Anticipating
Plan for an interview is always key. Some 78 percent of 16-25 year olds are confused by CV writing and 69 percent struggle with job applications. Take time to get your head around the process and a second pair of eyes to proof read you application and CV.

Step 5 - The Three C’s (Cool, Calm, Collected)
Confused.com’s research revealed 78 percent of 16-25 year olds are confused by job interviews and 79 percent confused by what to wear for an interview. Dress smart and stay cool, calm and collected. An interview is an opportunity to talk about yourself, your interests, ambitions and experience.