Holders of a new diploma are entering a job market that looks a little less promising than a year ago.
Employers plan to hire about 5.8% fewer new college graduates from this year’s class than from the class of 2023, according to a report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
Some companies, in sectors such as chemical manufacturing, finance, insurance and real estate, declined after expanding last year, according to NACE. The decline follows a historic boom in hiring in the wake of the pandemic, the report said, suggesting this year’s decline reflects a return to “normal” hiring plans.
However, there are still pockets of growth, mainly in miscellaneous manufacturing, utilities and professional services, NACE also found.
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In today’s job market, Monster career expert Vicki Salemi advises new grads to “stay positive and optimistic.”
Although entering the real world without an offer on the table can be intimidating, “they can improve their skills or take on a side hustle in the meantime, keep looking and be persistent,” she said.
Through continuing education courses, online courses, certification programs and boot camps, young people just entering the workforce have more opportunities to develop their expertise.
While many companies continue to offer the flexibility of hybrid working, there is also the added benefit of being able to expand one’s network, which can work in someone’s favor just starting out.
“In terms of quality and quantity, they can perform employment beyond the constraints of a particular zip code,” Salemi said.
Top Tips for Job Seekers
Recent or soon-to-be graduates can also stay ahead of their competition by networking with parents, professors, family friends, classmates, neighbors, community groups, and an extensive alumni network students, in person and on platforms like LinkedIn, according to Ivan Misner. , founder of the business networking organization BNI.com.
“Sometimes even weak ties can lead to valuable job recommendations,” he said.
But first, clean up your online presence, even on platforms you consider more for entertainment purposes than networking, Misner warned.
“Take down those pictures of you partying at a frat house,” he said. “Potential employers review online profiles, so make sure yours reflects positively on you – and you don’t want to make your network look bad if they recommend you.”
Once you get your foot in the door, offer to do a “working interview,” he advised, to best showcase your skills and abilities.
“Say, ‘If there’s a project, bring me on board, let me show you what I can do'” – this strategy works because very few people offer to do it, Misner said. “It makes you stand out and they will remember you.”
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