Why is it so hard for college graduates to find a job?

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 struggle to find a job 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.”

Is it normal to be unemployed after college?

Since 1990, the unemployment rate for recent grads almost always has been lower than for the general population. But that changed after covid. New grads have consistently fared worse than other jobseekers since January 2021, and that gap has only widened in recent months.

Why is it so hard to get a job as a college student?

Looking at it from the perspective of the hiring managers, more often than not, students lack the experience they are looking for. On job applications they usually list the requirements for the position, and most of the time they are looking for one to three years of experience for an entry level position.

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.

Unemployed After College? My Experience & Advice No One Wants to Tell You

Why is it so hard to find a job right now despite low unemployment?

Even though the US unemployment rate is near the lowest level in decades and overall layoffs remain modest, employers are, on average, taking longer to hire, and some are posting fewer jobs than not long ago. That's making some job hunts harder.

How long does it take the average college graduate to find a job?

It can take college graduates an average of three to six months to land that first position after graduation, according to the University of Washington. 1 That might sound like an eternity, but you have some options, from taking a not-so-perfect job for the time being to moving back home temporarily.

Why won't jobs hire college students?

One of the reasons employers overlook college graduates is a lack of leadership experience. Many of the college graduates who can't find a job, are the students who did not develop any leadership experience during college.

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

Why is hiring so difficult right now?

Experts suggest it might be due to the cooling labor market combined with high expectations from job seekers.

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.

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.

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.

What is the easiest job to get after graduation?

How long does it take to find a job after being laid off?

A separate survey of 2,000 recently laid-off U.S. workers that ZipRecruiter conducted in January found that more than half found a new role within a month, and over 80% found one within three months. Just 4% of respondents said the process extended beyond six months.

What percentage of college graduates move back home after graduation?

Moving back in with mom and dad. Living with parents after college has become increasingly common: More than 32 percent of young adults live with their parents, according to Pew Research.

Why will no one hire me?

You're underqualified for the job. You need an industry connection. Your interviewing skills need improvement. You're lacking references.

What month do most companies hire?

In general, there are two periods of time during the year that are the most popular job searching and hiring months: January and February as well as September and October. January and February are popular hiring months because many organizations align their fiscal year with the calendar year.

What to do if you are broke and unemployed?

The first step is to file for unemployment with your state so that you have some money coming in. If you're low on cash, a credit card or checking account line of credit can help in the short term. The government has programs that can offer financial assistance.

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 does no one want to hire college grads?

Lack of Experience: Many employers prefer candidates with experience. For entry-level positions, this can create a catch-22 situation where graduates struggle to find opportunities to gain experience.

How many people can't find a job after college?

A recent Pew Research Center analysis of federal labor data also found that about 31% of 2020 graduates were unemployed last fall, well above the 22% for 2019 graduates. Recent college grads often have higher unemployment rates than more seasoned workers.

What percentage of college graduates get hired?

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.

Why is it so hard to find a job with no experience?

So, employers often receive an overwhelming number of applications for entry-level roles. In response, hiring teams are forced to resort to more stringent and narrow filtering criteria. Requesting prior experience serves as a quick means to narrow down the pool of applicants.

What percent of college graduates 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.