A recent study revealed that college graduates are having a harder time entering the workforce in the Granite State.
New Hampshire Employment Security published a report in March of this year that found graduates ages 20-24 with a bachelor’s degree had higher rates of unemployment compared to those who only received a high school diploma. The rate of unemployment for high school graduates is 3.4%, whereas unemployment for college graduates is almost double that at 7.2%.
Commencement is only a few days away, and graduating seniors have most likely already started the job application process.
When applying for jobs, oftentimes the company you are applying for will want someone with years of experience. For recent college graduates, it is likely that they have yet to gain major experience as they’ve been studying for the last four years. When jobs reject recent graduates due to a lack of experience, it creates a barrier for both the graduate and the employer. The graduate is denied the learning opportunity to actually gain experience and the company or organization is missing out on someone who may add a lot of value to the team. Post-grad students also have the most up-to-date knowledge in their respective fields. Over time, the curriculum is updated to reflect changing technology, societal standards, new laws, etc.
A contributing issue to graduates struggling with being hired is employers who forget to remove a job listing after the position is filled.
“Even job boards may be misleading. A nationwide analysis by Revelio Labs found that about one in two job postings did not result in a hire, up from one in five in 2018. The phenomenon, known as ‘ghost jobs,’ can inflate the number of opportunities graduates see online,” according to WMUR.
You may fill out an application and wait several weeks or even months for a response, but be continuously met with radio silence. It can be discouraging to put yourself out there and never receive a message back. Not to mention, your time is wasted sending out your resume, emailing and calling the potential employers.
Even if you get a reply, there’s a chance someone who has been laid off and is considered “more qualified” will get the job over you. Or maybe Artificial Intelligence (AI) is taking your job.
While experts are uncertain how much AI will take over in the workforce, AI has started being used to scan resumes of applicants. This could create issues where AI flags a resume and tosses it to the side, even if there is nothing objectively wrong with the application. We believe it is absolutely necessary to be wary of AI use as we learn more about the technology.
The Equinox also believes that prior to graduating, students should utilize their academic advisors and professors, who are here to help them succeed. Connections are a crucial stepping stone for success, and you never know when simply knowing someone could create a bridge to a job opportunity.
While it is nothing short of frustrating applying for countless jobs online, your ambition can go a long way. Asking for an application in person allows you to introduce yourself and lets employers meet you face to face before an interview. Even reaching out to potential employers who may not be actively hiring at least gets you out there.
As the class of 2026 enters the next phase of their lives, don’t let the stress of job applications overwhelm you. Revel in your bachelor’s degree. Be proud of yourself for making it this far and of all you have accomplished. Entering the workforce has its complications–especially in this economy–but as dreadful as it may be, you didn’t work your butt off for nothing. Don’t let a bad interview or missed opportunity define you. Each time, get back up and dust yourself off for the future that awaits you.
