Like generations before them, Gen Z undergraduates are set to leave school to a Greek chorus of adults asking, “What do you want to do with your life?” But this year’s graduating class is feeling especially pessimistic about its ability to bat away said questions.
The class of 2025 is looking at its lukewarm prospects with some warranted trepidation, according to a report from Handshake that surveyed 1,925 members of the cohort. The student job board notes there’s been a “significant shift in student and recent grad’s career outlook,” as 57% of this year’s class felt pessimistic about starting their careers compared to just 49% of 2024 graduates.
Anxious grads are simply looking at the conditions of their former peers, finding that many are struggling to navigate the tight job market and nab an entry-level gig. The class before them has faced dwindling opportunities, generating a frenzy wherein graduates apply to more jobs and face tighter competition per role. And there are reports of some Gen Zers catching a break and snagging a job only to find themselves fired early on.
Gen Zers are also tackling the unconventional job market from different vantage points. They’re turning to “nontraditional entry points into desired fields such as freelancing, internships, gig work, and entrepreneurship, noted Marlo Lyons, certified career coach and author of Wanted → My First Career.
There’s no need to throw in the proverbial towel so early, though. Experts know there’s no easy time to be thrust into the workforce, but suggest Gen Zers tackle the challenging market with confidence and patience. “Landing an entry-level job in today’s competitive market requires intentionality and thorough preparation,” added Lyons.
Christine Cruzvergara, chief education strategy officer at Handshake, told Fortune that anxious graduates should follow the following four steps.
Take care of your documents
First things first is putting your house in order. This means showing the breadth of your experience in a résumé, expanding and illustrating the depth of said experience in a cover letter, and highlighting aspects of your C.V. in your online profile, explained Cruzvergara. Lyons also suggested “optimizing your LinkedIn profile” with online certifications.
Do your research
Rather than simply research the company you’re seeking to join, look deeper into the field you want to enter. “This means taking time to really understand the industry or job role function they’re applying to,” said Cruzvergara. “The goal is for job seekers to be able to ‘talk shop’ with the people that they potentially could work with.”
So next time your parents ask why you’re sitting with your head in your hands, tell them that some rumination is part of the application process. “The most critical step is to know what you want and position yourself as the ideal candidate for that role,” Lyons said. “Take the time to clarify your career goals and identify the field and type of role you are targeting,” adding that your résumé should “reflect the skills and experiences that align with your chosen career path.”
Network
Schmoozing is simply part of the game at this point. It’s a crucial element of applying to a job that students often skip or don’t engage in with enough, according to Cruzvergara. For those early on in creating their own network, Cruzvergara suggested connecting with students and alumni and reaching out with an introduction and outlined questions.
“Most importantly, network with intention,” said Lyons. “Networking can open doors that applications cannot.” This becomes all the more important with one’s first job as many “entry-level roles are filled through referrals.”
Search and Apply
Now comes the job-board hounding. The dreaded task should be easier as students will know how to adjust their application accordingly to the listing, claims Cruzvergara.
Prepare ahead of time for an interview, as a call or email could come at any point, said Leons. “Patience and persistence pays off. That doesn’t mean applying to a specific number of jobs a day. That means, being intentional on your strategy and approach,” she emphasized.
Don’t let the noise get to you
When it comes to reports of Gen Z being turned away soon after getting hired, don’t let the horror stories get you down. While Lyons said she’s heard of a couple instances where young employees were fired within 90 days, she noted it’s likely not a widespread trend.
“Hiring takes a significant investment of time, money, and resources, and companies don’t hire with the intention of firing someone quickly,” she said, explaining that companies intend to help develop skill sets and are therefore not expecting perfection. Rather, companies are looking for new hires that show ambition, initiative, and the desire to learn.
Maintaining confidence and an upbeat attitude can be trying, though. Bruised egos are a natural consequence of wading through an unusually long and often frustrating and demoralizing job process, which has become all the more trying as of late. Lyons suggested Gen Zers keep track of their accomplishments in a journal each day.
“To boost your confidence, keep a record of your contributions and accomplishments through journaling every day,” she said. “Write down one big accomplishment for the day, the one thing you learned, and the value you brought to the team or the company.”
