Landing that first job out of college has always been a challenge, but for today’s graduates, the hurdles are especially steep.
The U.S. job market is showing a noticeable slowdown, with the unemployment rate for first-time job seekers averaging 4.59% so far this year—up from 3.25% in 2019. Experts debate the reasons: some point to AI and automation reshaping entry-level roles, while others cite broader economic pressures affecting workers across all industries.
Whatever the cause, the reality is clear: Succeeding in your job search in 2025 requires a thoughtful, strategic approach, especially for recent graduates. To help give you an edge, we’ve gathered four practical tips on navigating today’s job market from the experts at Fordham’s Career Center.
1. Give Before You Get
Annette McLaughlin, director of Fordham’s Career Center, stressed the importance of treating your job search as an exercise in relationship building, rather than just a search for what you want right now. Connecting with people and considering what you have to offer them, before asking what they can do for you, can lead to the sorts of long-lasting connections that are the bedrock of a great career, she said. Those human connections are also something that can’t be replaced by AI.
“Always offer something to whomever you’re speaking to. I find for many young professionals that’s a challenge, because they don’t think they have anything to give,” said McLaughlin. “But you never know—maybe the person you’re speaking to is sending their student off to college and wants to know what your experience was like.”
Jerry Goldstein, who leads alumni mentoring and career counseling programs at Fordham, echoed McLaughlin’s advice.
“Don’t look at getting a job as something you need. Think about why they’re hiring and what they would get out of it,” said Goldstein. “When you start to see things from that perspective, it will help you answer the question, ‘What makes us want to hire you?”
2. Balance Quantity with Quality
It’s no secret that AI has made it easier than ever to apply for jobs. Thanks to tools like ChatGPT, applicants can quickly tailor their resumes to fit each job description, allowing them to submit dozens of applications per day.
But that can be a mistake, according to Goldstein. While he acknowledges the application process is a numbers game, he says some job seekers take that advice too far.
“I’m hearing a lot of people saying, ‘I don’t know what’s going on. I’ve applied to 300 jobs, I’ve applied to 800 jobs,” said Goldstein. “If you’re applying to anything with two zeros on the end of it and you’re not getting enough interviews, it’s not the job market, it’s what you’re submitting.”
3. Skill Up Strategically
According to Goldstein, doing internships or earning certifications—whether in AI or other industry-relevant tools—can help you stand out (and make it past the automated resume scanners) when you lack on-the-job experience.
He recommends tapping into any mentoring or alumni networks available through your school, like Fordham’s RamConnect, to zero in on the specific skills required for the jobs you want. For example, you might learn that an employer uses the Microsoft Azure platform, then choose to earn a certification in Microsoft Azure to show that skill on your resume.
That way, “when you apply for a job there, they know you’re going to be able to use their systems,” Goldstein said.
LinkedIn Learning and even your local library are other great resources for “upskilling” your resume, according to Cheretta Robson, senior associate director of the Career Center at Fordham.
4. Keep a Positive Outlook
Struggling to land a job is not just hard financially; it also takes an emotional toll. And unfortunately, it’s difficult to shine in interviews when you’re feeling demoralized by the job search process.
That’s one reason that taking good care of yourself is so important, according to McLaughlin. She recommends leaning on your friends and family for support—or better yet, mentors who’ve been there before.
McLaughlin also suggests doing something every day that helps you feel your best.
“I understand how challenging the job search is, but when you’re happy, you’re going to present better to a potential employer,” McLaughlin said.
Along those lines, Goldstein advised job seekers not to get discouraged by the doom-and-gloom headlines, because downturns in the job market are cyclical.
“Two years ago, things were great. This year it’s a little tougher. I don’t know what it will be next year, but I can guarantee it will be great again. We just don’t know how long that’s going to take,” he said.
