Congrats, New Grads. Now Score that First Job!

The five-column story splashed across the page jumps out at you: "Finding a Job Takes Longer for College Grads: Companies are rethinking their needs for entry-level talent," by Joseph Pisani and Lindsay Ellis (WSJ, 5/23/2024).

You can't miss it, or its ominous message.

A new National Association of Colleges and Employers survey found that employers are expected to hire 5.8% fewer new grads this year.

Other studies report a slowdown too, including a Goldman Sachs report that shows the hiring rate for new entrants to the job market below its average since mid-2000. (NYT Newsletter, "Why Can't College Grads Find Jobs," by Peter Coy, 5/31/2024.)

In addition to fewer available openings, other issues add to the drag on hiring: increased selectivity in a buyers' market and competition from recently laid off junior workers who already have some work experience. "The market has changed so drastically," one recruiter said.

The emergence of AI compounds the challenges. It can replace some entry-level staffers. Or, perhaps more likely, jobs go to those who already know how to use generative AI.

"I didn't think it would be so hard to even get a screening interview," one new graduate admitted.

The WSJ article urges recent grads to get "back to basics" with their job search: Look for opportunities in industries adjacent to your central focus. Consider smaller companies or government jobs. Get yourself out there. Make connections. Follow up on that first interview.

Communication skills are vital

The job search is one of the earliest chances a new grad has to practice things she may have explored in a Management Communications class.

One job hunter who had used ChatGPT to edit his resume and draft cover letters found that the output didn't sound like him. So, he went "old school" and started writing his own emails and letter, devoting two hours to each application. ("The Secret to a Successful Job Search," by Callum Borchers and Lindsay Ellis, WSJ, 6/1-2/2024.)

Oral communications skills are another key element of a job search. They loom large in the overall impression you make during an interview, regardless of the questions asked or the answers you provide.

Certainly, poise and confidence are important. But so is the ability to show an interviewer that you can speak in a professional manner.

Tucked among the articles on the WSJ's editorial pages, there was another piece of sound advice about how to handle yourself in a job interview (" 'Like' May Attract Like, But It Puts Me Off," by Tevi Troy, WSJ, 5/23/2024).

During interviews, Troy tallies the number of times applicants say "like" and eliminates those who use it most often. That filter has resulted in hiring "some terrific employees," he said.

That may seem trivial, but why risk letting a pointless verbal tic threaten your chance at a job? Lose the casual language.

"To the class of '24." Troy concluded, "as you look for jobs, be aware of what you say and how you say it. The person interviewing you might be listening closely."

I'll just add: Good luck.