The job landscape for the class of 2025 is increasingly challenging, as recent data reveals concerning trends for new graduates entering the workforce.
According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the unemployment rate for recent graduates surged to 5.8% in March, climbing from 4.6% the previous year.
Additionally, the percentage of graduates who find themselves underemployed—working jobs that do not require their degrees—has risen to 41.2%, showing a slight increase from 40.6% in the previous year.
Amidst this rising competition, employers are showing heightened caution in their hiring practices.
Factors such as ongoing global uncertainties, fluctuating tariff policies, hiring freezes, and the rapid integration of artificial intelligence into the workplace are influencing these trends.
In this environment, many recent graduates make the mistake of believing that obtaining a degree is enough to secure employment.
Sarah Skelton, co-founder and managing director of the staffing and recruiting firm Flourish, emphasizes that the landscape has shifted significantly.
“I feel like sometimes there’s a certain perception that: ‘I’ve been to uni, I’ve got this degree, I’m going to come in at this level,'” she explains.
In contrast, she points out that candidates who do not have a degree but possess relevant work experience and demonstrated skills may be more appealing to businesses.
The importance of a degree can vary by industry; for instance, degrees hold more weight in medical fields compared to business or sales positions.
A common hurdle for new graduates is the ‘Catch-22’ dilemma—where aspirants need experience to gain experience.
To navigate this tricky situation, Skelton advocates for creativity and proactivity.
Utilizing platforms like LinkedIn early in one’s career can be instrumental.
It’s crucial for candidates to tailor their profiles to align with the jobs they seek.
Engaging in extracurricular activities, such as joining sports teams or volunteering, can also enhance a candidate’s resume.
Additionally, aspiring professionals should consider internships or even job shadowing in roles they wish to pursue.
Building connections is vital in this climate; attending networking events, seeking out mentors, and requesting referrals can significantly impact a candidate’s job search.
Moreover, creating your own experience through side projects or business ideas is another effective strategy to set oneself apart.
Skelton advises immersing oneself in industry knowledge through podcasts, books, and other resources to stay informed.
“I think you have to look at the bigger picture, and you’ve got to get a bit more creative with the applications to stand out,” she notes.
Showing genuine enthusiasm for a potential job opportunity is key as businesses seek candidates who are eager to contribute.
Candidates should leverage direct outreach to hiring managers on LinkedIn as a way to demonstrate their initiative.
This proactive approach can make a significant difference in a candidate’s visibility.
Offering to undertake unpaid work can initially seem daunting, but it may open doors to valuable experience, according to Skelton.
“[You can] run up to a business proactively and say: ‘Can I come in and do some unpaid [work]? I know it’s not glamorous. I know it may feel like … a bit demeaning, but fundamentally, you’ve got to set yourself apart from the others,'” she advises.
For those navigating interviews, Skelton introduces a strategic technique for closing.
At the end of an interview, she suggests candidates express their enthusiasm and inquire about any reservations the interviewers may have.
“Look, I’m really enthusiastic about this opportunity. I’d really love the chance to work with you … Before we conclude, could I just ask: ‘What have been your thoughts on me in the interview? Is there anything you could see that I could improve, or [do you have] any reservations?'” This approach helps candidates to address potential concerns while reinforcing their eagerness.
Finally, regardless of the interview outcome, Skelton encourages candidates to follow up with a thank-you email to express their appreciation for the opportunity.
While formal degrees continue to hold value, the current job market demonstrates that experience, skills, and personal attributes such as drive and work ethic are becoming increasingly important in employers’ hiring decisions.
image source from：nbcchicago
