Is it normal to struggle to find a job after graduation?

Many college graduates struggle to find a job because they are not clear about what they want. Spend some time creating a clear vision of the kind of job you are looking for, the industry you want to work in, and the skills and experiences you offer and want to gain.

Why is it so hard to find a job after graduating?

The job market is extremely competitive, as more and more Americans attain college degrees. Furthermore, employers are requiring unrealistic professional experience for entry-level positions, making it difficult for recent graduates to compete in the job market.

Is it normal to not get a job right after graduation?

You're not the only one having a tough time

The job search can be a slog. It's hard, but it's normal. Don't fall into the trap of thinking you're the only one without a job. And don't scroll LinkedIn: remember, none of your classmates will post, “I'm still looking for a job, but I'm anxious and burnt out.”

How long should it take to find a job after graduation?

It takes about three to six months for the average college graduate to find a job after college. As of September 2023, the unemployment rate for bachelor's degree holders was 2.2% compared to 4% for those only holding a high school diploma.

Is it OK to be unemployed after graduation?

As a rule of thumb, a graduate should secure work within 6 months of graduation. Unfortunately, in today's job market, it is not uncommon to wait 12-18 months or even longer. It is important to note that the duration of unemployment after graduation can have an impact on one's career prospects.

3 Lessons for Life After Graduation

How long is too long unemployed?

The stress of unemployment can take an even bigger toll on your mental health when your time without a job persists. If you have been job searching and applying and unemployed for longer than six months, it's time to revamp your strategy.

How long does the average person stay unemployed?

In 1990, the average duration of unemployment in the United States was 12 weeks. The duration increased to 20.6 weeks in 2023, which was a decrease from the previous year.

How long is it OK to be unemployed after college?

Being unemployed for more than a year: a big red flag

Once you land that first job after being unemployed for a year or more, your future job search prospects improve dramatically – the gap doesn't continue to impact future hiring.

Are roughly 53% of recent graduates unemployed or underemployed?

The fact is that approximately 53% of college graduates are unemployed or working in a job that doesn't require a bachelor's degree. It takes the average college graduate three to six months to secure employment after graduation. A student benefits from having a career-seeking strategy and previous work experiences.

What is the easiest job to get after graduation?

What percentage of college students don t get a job after they graduate?

More than half of recent four-year college graduates, 52 percent, are underemployed a year after they graduate, according to a new report from Strada Institute for the Future of Work and the Burning Glass Institute. A decade after graduation, 45 percent of them still don't hold a job that requires a four-year degree.

What percent of students get a job after graduation?

If you're nearing graduation and wondering, “What percentage of college students get a job after they graduate?” then the good news is that 72.3% of all college graduates in the U.S. are employed. Having a degree is a distinguishing factor when applying for a job.

What do I do if I can't find a job?

How many college graduates are unemployed?

U.S. unemployment rate of recent graduates 2016-2023

In December 2023, about 4.8 percent of recent college graduates were unemployed in the United States. This was a significant decrease from September 2020, when the unemployment rate among recent college graduates was at nine percent.

Why is life after college so hard?

Life can get tough after graduation due to various challenges and transitions. Here are some common difficulties: Job Search: Finding a job in your field can be challenging, leading to uncertainty and financial stress. Student Loans: Repaying student loans can be a significant financial burden.

Why don t companies want new grads?

Lack of experience: A recent Intelligent.com survey found that 63 percent of employers who've worked with recent college graduates say they frequently can't handle their workload. Although new grads may come with college-learned knowledge, they lack the experience that their seasoned counterparts have acquired.

Are most college graduates unemployed?

The latest unemployment rate for recent graduates, at 4.4 percent, is higher than the overall joblessness rate and nearly double the rate for all workers with a college degree, according to an analysis by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

What percentage of college grads work in their field?

"In addition to dealing with financial insecurity, only 46% of college grads surveyed say they currently work in their field of study. 29% report working in a different field, while 16% of those under age 54 (and therefore not likely retired) say they are currently unemployed.

In which year were the most people unemployed?

Unemployment was most severe in 1933 in Michigan, which also stands at the head of the array of the 1930-33 average with a rate of 35.9 percent.

Is being unemployed a red flag?

Unemployment can be seen as a red flag by employers. Biases against unemployed applicants increase with the length of unemployment. Job seekers should focus on highlighting their qualifications and positive experiences during their job search.

Is it harder to get a job the longer you are unemployed?

The longer you're out of a job, the harder it may be to convince employers that you're “employable,” and your ability to find a job can get even more difficult. We recently asked our executive team how they feel job seekers who have been unemployed long-term might be able to free themselves from the stalemate.

What happens if I cant get a job after college?

As a recent college graduate, you likely lack a lot of professional experience, but you can supplement this with internships and volunteer work. Actively search for intern opportunities in your desired industry to create a more attractive resume, gain valuable experience and meet professionals in your field.

Why is it so hard to get a job right now?

A major reason could be the fact that the labor market is cooling. "There's less of a frenzy on the part of the employers," according to Peter Cappelli, a management professor at the University of Pennsylvania.

Why is it so hard to get a job?

Employers' hiring rate fell sharply in 2023, Zhao said. And workers are quitting less. That means fewer people are moving around. "It feels like the job market is in a bit of a holding pattern," Zhao said recently.

How long of a resume gap is too long?

There is no fixed length of time that constitutes a "too long" career gap, as this can vary depending on individual circumstances and the expectations of different employers. However, in general, a gap of more than two years may raise some questions or concerns for some employers.