Graduating from college should be a time of excitement and optimism. You’ve put in years of hard work, and now, it’s time to step into the professional world. But for many of today’s recent grads, the job market looks anything but inviting.
With a shrinking number of entry-level positions and companies scaling back on training programs, finding that first job feels like an uphill battle. As a career coach for over 20 years, I’ve seen this firsthand, and I want to help you understand why this is happening and how you can break through despite the challenges.
Why are entry-level jobs disappearing?
When companies are tightening their belts, one of the first things they do is limit hiring for roles that require significant training and onboarding. From a business perspective, it’s simple: they need people who can hit the ground running and offer an immediate return on investment. Unfortunately, most new graduates don’t fit that mold yet. You may not have extensive experience or an in-depth understanding of the industry, which makes it harder to prove your value to these companies at first glance.
However, that doesn’t mean you don’t have value. You simply need to approach the job search with a strategy that helps you demonstrate your potential in a way that resonates with employers.
Convey Your Value To Employers Through Connection
I often hear new grads say, “What value do I bring? I’ve only got six months of internship experience!” Let me tell you, you do have value—and it’s more than you might realize.
One of the most effective ways to convey your value is through your connection to the employer. When I work with recent grads, I guide them through building something I call an interview bucket list. This is a list of 10 to 20 companies that you’re truly passionate about, not just because they’re popular or well-known, but because you genuinely admire their products, services, or mission.
When you can articulate why these companies are on your list—how their work resonates with you and aligns with your goals—you’ve already started to build a meaningful connection. And that’s what employers are looking for: someone who doesn’t just want a job, but someone who wants to work for them. That enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates and show employers that you have the kind of intrinsic motivation they’re looking for.
Once you have your interview bucket list, it’s time to backchannel your way in. This means finding ways to connect with people who already work at the companies on your list. Whether it’s through LinkedIn, alumni networks, or other professional organizations, reach out and start building relationships.
And when you do reach out, make sure you share your story. Explain why you’re passionate about the company’s products or services and how your skills and experiences (even if limited) align with their needs. This approach helps demonstrate your hustle, curiosity, and willingness to learn—all of which are highly valued in today’s job market.
Hiring managers aren’t expecting you to have a decade of experience. They know you’re a recent grad. What they want to see is someone with drive, passion, and a commitment to learning and growing with their company. If you can show them that you’re already invested in what they do, they’ll see you as someone who can hit the ground running, even if you don’t have all the technical skills just yet.
When you apply for jobs online in today's market without backchanneling, it's impossible to make that connection with an employer. It's impossible to stand out. With so many graduates taking the same approach, online applications often get lost in a sea of resumes. It’s not that you’re unqualified; it’s that the system is overwhelmed.
That’s why backchanneling is so essential right now. It’s about getting off the crowded highway and finding alternate routes that get you noticed. Instead of waiting for your application to float to the top of a recruiter’s inbox, you’re taking control of your own job search and building relationships that lead to opportunities.
At the end of the day, the job market for new grads may be tough, but it’s not impossible. I’ve seen countless recent graduates land incredible jobs using these exact strategies. What sets them apart isn’t just their qualifications, but their willingness to hustle, their ability to make meaningful connections, and their passion for the companies they want to work for.
So if you’re feeling stuck or discouraged, don’t lose hope. Start building your interview bucket list, reach out to people in the companies you admire, and lead with your passion. The right opportunity is out there, and with the right strategy, you can make it yours.
Good luck! Go get 'em.
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