📉The job market may look strong on paper—but many recent college grads would tell you otherwise.
According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the unemployment rate for 22–27-year-old graduates rose to 5.8% in March. That’s despite low national unemployment and steady job growth overall.
So, what’s going on?
âś… Entry-level roles are shrinking.
âś… AI is increasingly replacing early-career functions.
âś… Economic uncertainty is freezing hiring.
✅ Workers are staying in their roles longer—creating fewer openings.
Mischa Fisher, an economist at Udemy, puts it bluntly: “Top-line statistics don’t reflect the real experience of new grads.”
đź’ˇ What can graduates do to adapt?
* Signal skills beyond the degree—think certifications, portfolios, soft skills, and projects.
* Expand the target zone—industry, geography, job title.
* Get proactive—network, reach out to hiring managers, and showcase more than a resume.
As someone who works closely with job seekers, I see firsthand the need for career readiness, not just job discovery. The resume is only part of the story. Demonstrating adaptability, communication, and initiative is what sets candidates apart.