Differences in the proportion of graduates who were not in the labour force were least among university men and women, but increased for other graduates. Female graduates from trade or vocational programs were more than twice as likely as their male counterparts to be out of the labour force.

Unemployment levels varied by gender and type of program. Among trade or vocational, college, and bachelor's level graduates, men had higher levels of unemployment.

Looking at the length of unemployment during the transition period, at the trade or vocational, college, and bachelors level, men were more likely than women to have experienced some unemployment after graduation; in sharp contrast, more females with higher-level degrees reported being unemployed. Almost one-third (30%) of women with master's degrees could not find jobs compared with slightly less than one-quarter (24%) of men at that level. The proportions diverge even more dramatically at the doctorate level: twice as many women (25%) as men (12%) suffered periods of unemployment.

Female graduates also found it more difficult to locate long-term employment. At the end of the transition period, a smaller proportion of women than men had secured a full-time job of 6 months or more. The largest gender disparities emerged among trade or vocational school graduates and those with doctorates. In addition, when university women obtained long-term employment, they were more likely to have engaged in a lengthier job search. This finding was particularly evident among those with doctorates, with 39% of females compared with 34% of males reporting a job search of 3 months or more.

In terms of permanent versus temporary jobs, the labour market experiences of men and women were also distinct. With the exception of female college graduates, a higher proportion of the jobs women obtained were temporary. This finding was most pronounced at the master's and doctorate levels.