Gen Z is entering one of the most competitive job markets in years.
Job postings on Handshake—a career platform for early-career talent—have fallen more than 16% between August 2024 and August 2025, while the average number of applications per role has jumped 26%.
And soon-to-be college graduates already see it coming. More than 60% of the class of 2026 is pessimistic about their career prospects. Employers don’t see much sign of relief either, with more than half indicating the entry-level job market is “poor” or “fair,” in a new survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
Still, not all is lost, according to Christine Cruzvergara, Handshake’s chief education strategy officer. Students are still graduating with relevant skills—and employers are still hiring them. But those seeing the most success are the ones who proactively equip and market themselves as a critical part of a new era of the workplace. Here’s how Gen Z can stand out in today’s job market.
Lean into AI—don’t hide from it
While the economy and reductions in the federal workforce have contributed greatly to the tightening of the entry-level job market, AI has caused companies to rethink their overall workforce strategies.
However, according to Cruzvergara, moving forward, students who stand out aren’t the ones who avoid AI—but the ones who learn to use it thoughtfully.
“[Employers] want to understand how a student is thinking through that process,” Cruzvergara told Fortune. “So if a student wants to stand out in this job search, they have to be able to articulate not just what they do, but why they do it and how they do it, and walking an employer through that process can be very, a huge asset.”
To do that well, she said, Gen Z has to show they have good judgement: a skill which often encapsulates others, including critical thinking and communication.
Network with intention
Networking has long been tried-and-true advice to explore career paths and job leads. But today, Cruzvergara said it’s also a way to understand how AI is shaping your desired field in real time.
Talk to people who already hold your dream job, she suggested. Ask how they’re using AI daily, where the gaps are, and how new grads can add value. Those insights can help you differentiate yourself later in the hiring process.
Build skills that set you apart
There’s no better time than the present to build upon specific, demonstrable skills.
“Build your skills by identifying skills and certifications that can help to differentiate you,” Tanya Moore, chief people officer at consulting firm West Monroe, told Fortune.
“Are you looking for a cyber job? Get a Security+ certification with CompTIA. Are you looking for an entry-level sales job? Learn how to leverage Salesforce or other CRM platforms.”
Even a handful of targeted skills can help early-career candidates break through the noise—especially when those skills meet an identified employer need.
Move quickly—and tailor everything
AI’s has made it easier than ever to tailor resumes or cover letters. But because many applicants are doing the same, the bar for standing out keeps rising.
When it comes time to apply, Cruzvergara stressed the importance of self-evaluation and personalization.
“AI can’t replicate taste; it can’t replicate who you are,” she said. “If you and I are both using ChatGPT to help us write our cover letters for say, even the same job, our responsibility is to feed it enough information about ourselves.”
Time is also of the essence, Moore added.
“The longer you wait to apply, the more chance they will fill the role with candidates that applied before you. Every company is using an applicant tracking system which is using technology to scan your resume, so tailor your resume and cover letter to the position every time,” she said.
Similarly, Moore said those on the job hunt should look beyond well-known brand names when on the job hunt: “there are a ton of great jobs with mid-market and smaller firms that can give you great experience to grow in your career.”
Adopt the right mindset
During the entry-level job search, discouragement is common—and may even be inevitable—but it’s not a sign of failure. And ultimately, one of the secrets to maintaining confidence is reframing the stakes: your first job isn’t your forever job, and you only need one company to say yes.
“You’re looking for a job that will train you, give you skills, give you exposure,” Cruzvergara said. “You’re going to meet people and learn. That’s what you’re looking for.”
Above all, Cruzvergara added it’s also paramount to have a support network.
“You will question yourself and you might second guess if you’re good enough,” she said. “You need folks that are going to be an honest reflection to you of what your strengths are, what your skills are, and, quite frankly, also tell you if you’re making mistakes at the same time.”
