How new grads can land a job after college, even as employers cut back on Class of 2024 hires

Those armed with a newly minted diploma are entering a job market that looks a little less promising than it did one year ago.

Employers plan to hire about 5.8% fewer new college graduates from this year’s class than they hired from the Class of 2023, according to a report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

Some companies, in industries such as chemical manufacturing, finance, insurance and real estate, have pulled back after scaling up last year, according to NACE. The decline follows a historic hiring boom in the aftermath of the pandemic, the report found, suggesting that this year’s dip reflects a return to “normal” hiring plans. 

However, there are still pockets of growth, mainly in miscellaneous manufacturing, utilities and professional services, NACE also found.

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In the current job market, Vicki Salemi, career expert at Monster, advises new grads to “stay positive and optimistic.”

While entering the real world without an offer on the table can be daunting, “they can upskill or pick up a side hustle in the meantime, continue to search and be persistent,” she said.

Given continuing education courses, online classes, certification programs and boot camps, there are more opportunities for young people just entering the workforce to ramp up their expertise.

With many companies continuing to offer the flexibility of hybrid work, there is also the added advantage of being able to cast a wider net, which can work in the favor of someone just starting out.

“In terms of the quality and quantity, they can pursue jobs beyond the constraints of a particular zip code,” Salemi said.

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