Experts argue that in today's work market, candidates need to be adaptable, strategic, and specific because there are fewer entry-level positions and more competition.
Finding a first job is more challenging and competitive for recent college graduates than it has been in the past.
Many industries are seeing a decline in entry-level job postings, the unemployment rate for young graduates is rising, and AI is progressively taking over duties like administrative work, basic data entry, and basic coding that traditionally acted as stepping stones into the workforce. In actuality, the unemployment rate for new grads between the ages of 22 and 27 is currently 5.6%, while the overall rate has been at 4.3% for months.
Opportunities have not entirely vanished, even though the conventional entry-level playbook may be evolving.
Turn College Experience Into “Real” Experiences Employers are aware that recent graduates have little to no formal work experience, but that doesn't mean you can't use your time in college to demonstrate your suitability for a position, according to Coles. Making connections only after you've applied for a job can feel self-serving, whereas making those connections beforehand can feel like you're genuinely trying to learn and gain knowledge.
"I always say, look back at your college experience and look for those transferable types of activities or tasks that you engaged in that are applicable to the role you're [applying for]," she said.
Coles advises her son, who recently graduated with a mechanical engineering degree, to look at the club that he was in for engineering and did he get to design something? Did he get to build something? What was the problem that he was trying to solve?” she advised graduates to consider how their college experiences can be applied in the professional world to demonstrate relevant responsibility, even if it was not within a company.
In today's competitive job market, Priya Rathod, workplace expert, advises against using generic claims like "I'm a fast learner" on your resume or in an interview. Instead, show specific skills and the ability to discuss your work in concrete terms to stand out.
“specificity matters more than ever when you have fewer entry points” because it shows you’re a results-driven person who can drive impact at an organization.
Like Coles, she suggests that young professionals consider the organizations they have joined, the summer jobs they have held, and the volunteer or internship experiences they have had. Give an explanation if you oversaw the budget while in a leadership position. Indicate if you resolved a problem on campus.
Keep an Open Mind Regarding Opportunities
One of the worst mistakes recent graduates can make, according to Debbie Duncan, director of talent acquisition at Northwestern Mutual, is to focus too narrowly on their job hunt. She thinks it's crucial for young professionals to understand that their first job might not be exactly related to their degree or intended area during a period of uneven job development. In fact, she claims that if you demonstrate some desire and there is a greater need, many organizations would train you for a position.
"Well, I have no experience with financial advising. I have a psychology degree. However, she notes that many recent graduates are unaware that the majority of financial advisors begin with little expertise and acquire it through training at an organization.
Duncan stresses that applicants "should always keep an open mind as it can lead to opportunities they never even knew about" in a crowded employment market with few entrance points.
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