Landing a first job has become more difficult for recent graduates. Postings for entry-level roles are down across many sectors, unemployment for new college graduates is rising, and the tasks that once served as a stepping stone into the workforce, like administrative work and basic coding, are increasingly being handled by AI.
As Forbes recently reported, “the traditional entry-level playbook may be changing for young professionals.” That does not mean opportunities have disappeared. It means candidates need to approach the search with more intention.
Why This Matters
According to data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers cited in Forbes, hiring demand for the class of 2026 is up 5.6% compared to 2025. The challenge is that growth is uneven across sectors and employer types. More applicants are competing for a smaller number of clearly defined entry points.
For new graduates, the result is a market that rewards preparation and specificity over volume.
Four Ways to Stand Out as a New Graduate
- Network before you apply.
Doreen Coles, senior director of career growth and development at ADP, urges graduates to “make thoughtful connections, even before applying to a job, to authentically show they are trying to learn and gain knowledge.”
Reaching out to alumni, attending industry events, or sending a direct message to someone in your target field before a role is posted can set you apart from candidates who submit cold applications.
- Translate college experience into workplace language.
Coles also encourages graduates to “reflect back on their time in school and highlight any transferable activities or tasks that are applicable to the role they’re applying for.”
A group project, a campus leadership role, or a thesis requiring independent research can each be reframed as evidence of project management, communication, or analytical skills. Hiring managers need to see the connection made clearly.
- Be specific about your skills.
Priya Rathod, workplace expert at Indeed, advises graduates to “steer clear of generic claims like, ‘I’m a fast learner.'” Concrete examples and measurable results carry more weight than broad self-descriptions, especially in a saturated applicant pool.
- Stay open to non-linear paths.
Debbie Duncan, director of talent acquisition at Northwestern Mutual, notes that one of the biggest mistakes new graduates make is being narrow-minded with their job search. A first role may not align directly with a degree or desired field, and that is not a setback. Transferable skills built in adjacent roles often become a long-term career advantage.
What You Can Do Next
Start by reviewing how you present your experience. Does your resume translate college work into workplace terms? Does your LinkedIn reflect your professional goals? When you apply, are you leading with specific skills and outcomes rather than general qualities?
The graduates who stand out in this market are the ones who make it easy for hiring managers to see their value quickly.