According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the unemployment rate for graduates has reached 5.8% in 2025.
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For some industries, formal degrees no longer cut it. Instead, many companies are prioritizing skills and experience-based recruitment. CNBC did it.
Classes of 2025 are falling into challenging competitiveness Job Market. according to data From the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Meanwhile, the share of new graduates isInadequate employment“Or jobs that do not require a degree, rose to 41.2% in March, up from 40.6% a year ago. Employers are increasingly cautious, driven by global uncertainty, both suffering from global uncertainty and unpopular tariff policies, employers hiring freezes and breeding of artificial intelligence.
In this environment where it’s hard to get on the door, a mistake recently made by some graduates assumes that their degree will automatically find a job for them.
“I think sometimes there is a certain view, ‘I’ve been to college and already have this degree, and I’m going to get to that level,” Skelton said.
“While others who may have left the school have (hired) ready to work and can demonstrate their skills and are more eager for it – some businesses prefer that,” she said.
She added, of course, it depends on the industry. While a degree may not be considered when hiring a business or sales position, this will be even more important for other industries, such as medicine.
“You need experience to gain experience”
New graduates entering the job market often face a “Catch-22” situation, “you need experience to gain experience.”
To overcome these challenges, Skelton recommends gaining creativity through the following:
- Maximize LinkedIn: Enter social media platforms early in your career and customize your profile based on the job you are applying for.
- Find extracurricular activities: Volunteers joining a sports team or local charity.
- Get creative in gaining experience: conduct an internship or ask for a role that interests you.
- Build a connection: Participate in online activities, find a tutor and ask for recommendations.
- Create your own experience: Work on a side project or business idea in your spare time.
- Build industry knowledge: Immerse yourself in industry-related podcasts, books, and more.
“I think you have to look at the bigger picture and you have to be more creative when the app stands out,” Skelton said. “Basically, be proactive and show that you are sharp.” Businesses want to know that candidates want to work for them, not just that they are “desperate to find a job.”
She said direct contact with a hiring manager on LinkedIn can show hunger and agency, which can help candidates stand out. Providing unpaid jobs can also be a way to get you started.
She said: “(You can) take the initiative and say, ‘Can I come in and do some unpaid (job)? I know it’s not charming. I know it might be… a bit derogatory, but fundamentally you have to distinguish it from others.”
“Close” in the interview
As someone who plays many salespeople roles, Skelton recommends using this “closing ceremony” as an assignment statement at the end of the interview:
“Look, I’m really passionate about this opportunity. I really like the opportunity to work with you… Before we conclude, I can ask: ‘What do you think of me in the interview? Can you see something I can improve, or (do you have any reservations)?'”
It gave candidates a chance to address potential bookings from interviewers at the end of the interview.
“(In) sale, it’s called closed technology,” Skelton said.
She said that after the interview, candidates should always remember to follow up an email and thank the respondent for their time.
Although formal degrees are still relevant, candidates should not rely on them to find jobs. Skelton said many businesses list job seekers’ experience, skills and characteristics as experience, skills and characteristics for driving, coaching, work ethics, courage, potential, and more.
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