College grads might need to pivot in their job search, such as searching for internships instead of full-time work.
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For Cross Sierra, the path from college to career has included an accelerated MBA, a nationwide job search, and crashing on friends' couches.The 23-year-old hopes to become a high school athletic director. So far, though, he's only become frustrated by what feels like an impossible job market to break into."What more do I have to do?" he asks.Economists and workplace observers say it's a question many recent graduates are asking. Despite the usual advice about the importance of networking and conducting a targeted job search, the market for entry-level workers is tougher than it was a few years ago.Hiring has slowed across much of the economy, leaving fewer openings and longer searches for many newcomers. In fields that tend to draw fresh grads — including finance, professional and business services, and healthcare — hiring rates are about as low as they've been since the pandemic, said Dante DeAntonio, senior director of economic research at Moody's Analytics.Job seekers might need to consider pivoting their approach. If you're applying only to big-name companies, you could widen your search to include smaller employers. If you're an accounting major focused on landing a job at a Big Four firm, you might also look at accounting roles in other industries. And if you're set on a full-time job, you may need to consider an internship as a way in."Focus on getting your foot in the door, even if it's not the ideal thing you want," economist Guy Berger said. "Once you have a job, it becomes much less stressful to look for another one."
