How College Grads Think They Will Land a Job in 2024

As summer comes to an end, students from the Class of 2024 are still looking for that first job after graduation. Many grads assumed they would land a job by now, but there is a disconnect between what the job search requires and what grads are experiencing. After speaking with hundreds of families, we want to shed some light on the expectations of college grads versus the reality of a challenging job market. Watch the video recap or see below. Does this sound familiar?

?

1. EXPECTATION:? “It’s just a numbers game, I will apply to hundreds of jobs. Something will happen."

REALITY:? It’s not a numbers game. It’s QUALITY over QUANTITY. 60% of jobs are found via networking. College grads are 10x more likely to get a job via a referral.

2. EXPECTATION:? “I went to a great school and I have a great GPA, that will be enough to land a great job. I’m sure a recruiter will find me.”

REALITY:? According to a study done by Miami University , “Your GPA can land you an interview but won’t likely get you the job. 91% of employers value interview performance more than GPA in their ultimate hiring decision.”

3. EXPECTATION:? “I’m going to stuff my resume with the perfect keywords and trick the AI and ATS tracking system.”

REALITY:? Most college grads need more unique experiences to get noticed when employers scan using ATS. It is better to make direct connections with people who have the job or the hiring manager to share your value and get noticed. Remember, PEOPLE HIRE PEOPLE. This is the "hidden job market".

4. EXPECTATION:? “I was told to network, so I just go on LinkedIn and ask people if they have any job openings and send my resume.”

REALITY:? Networking is about building a relationship. How you do it and the follow-up is everything .

5. EXPECTATION:? “If I get an internship, it will guarantee a job after graduation.”

REALITY:? Internships are excellent opportunities to gain “real world” work experience but it is not a guarantee. Internships should be considered a long interview, and candidates need to meet or exceed expectations to be considered for a full-time offer. Candidates need to perform, network, and show how they can add value to the firm to be considered for a full-time role .

6. EXPECTATION:? “I have a family friend who is an executive for a company. I’m sure they will hire me when I graduate.”

REALITY:? Companies need the best candidates for the job. A connection may get you in the door, but it will not guarantee employment. We hear too many stories of candidates who thought they had an "in" to get the job, but nothing happens. Candidates must show their skills and the value they can bring to an organization and show how to help the company solve a problem.

7. EXPECTATION:? “I don’t need to go to the career fair at my university. I don’t think that will help me get a job.”

REALITY:? Only 4 in 10 students use career services . This is the only time in a student’s college career when a company will look for you. Using campus resources, speaking with professors, and connecting with employers on campus can significantly increase the chances of landing a job.

8. EXPECTATION:? “I don’t need to worry about getting a job as a freshman or sophomore. When I’m a senior, I’ll deal with it. It can’t be that hard.”

REALITY:? Landing a job takes time! The earlier students engage with the process the better. Career fairs, networking, and getting a resume ready are all essential tools for the search. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average job search is 6 months . Follow this College-to-Career roadmap .

As much as the job market seems challenging, candidates can control many factors in the job search. To increase the chances of landing a job, recent grads need to:

• Understand skills and the story behind it
• Optimize branding with a strong resume and LinkedIn Profile
• Network with the people who have the job you desire

If you want to learn more about how Next Great Step supports college students and grads to land an internship or first job, Let's Talk. Schedule a complimentary consultation today or call 973-577-6161. We are here to help!