From Rejections to Results
Standing Out in a Tough Job Market
Last month…
At the beginning of April, we announced a new workbook - “Exploring Your Career Interests & Identifying Your Next Step” - to help individuals explore career options.
Our high school seniors have all made a final decision on where they are headed for college in the fall! Congratulations and best wishes as you start the next chapter in your journey!
Boosting your chances in a competitive market
If you're a soon-to-be college graduate, you might be asking yourself: "Was all of this worth it?" You’re not alone.
A recent report from Handshake shows that the Class of 2025 is feeling the pressure. Almost 60% of students are pessimistic about their careers, and of this chunk of individuals, 63% are concerned about job competition and 54% are concerned about job security.
Even outside of just feelings of pessimism, the data show that job availability has dipped over the past two years and the number of applications per job has been significantly higher than in any of the past five years.
💡 So how do you stand out when opportunities are shrinking?
Of the individuals surveyed by Handshake, these are some of the ways that upcoming graduates are prepping themselves for the job market:
Data from Handshake Network Trends, Big dreams, bigger challenges. Questions asked: “In what ways have the current economic conditions affected your job search?” “Are you planning on taking any steps in your senior year to stand out in the job market?”
What else you can do:
1. Network, network, network!
Do more informational interviews. The traditional job application game isn’t working for everyone. Instead, reach out for 1:1 conversations. Leverage friends, college alumni, a friend of a friend. You’ll learn about different roles, expand your network, and sometimes land opportunities that were never posted. These conversations help you better articulate your story and your value—and stay motivated in the search.
2. Build your brand with intentionality.
In a competitive market, your personal brand is your resume. Whether it’s your LinkedIn, portfolio, or digital presence, showcase who you are, what you’re great at, and how you solve problems. Don’t wait for employers to “figure it out”—connect the dots for them. And within your resume itself? Make sure you’re tailoring it with key words from the job description by incorporating them into your bullet points.
3. Use AI as a skill, not a shortcut.
AI can be a tool. Candidates who know how to use platforms like ChatGPT or other AI-driven data tools are already a step ahead. Learn how to prompt effectively, summarize content, or even draft cover letters—but make sure you personalize everything. I’ve read many a ChatGPT cover letter with generic reasons for interest in the role or company and have rejected those candidates.
4. Upskill outside of the classroom.
Today’s grads are finding success not just by what they studied—but by what they’ve added. Whether it's free certifications, online bootcamps, or learning to code, communicate, or create, investing in real-world skills makes you far more hireable. Many first jobs don’t require perfection—they require readiness.
5. Focus on progress, not perfection.
Rejections sting—especially in a tough market. But don’t let them shape your worth. Focus on what you’re learning, how you’re improving, and the clarity you're gaining. That resilience? Employers notice it.
TLDR:
Yes, the job market is rough. That doesn’t mean there isn’t space for you—it just means you need to approach your search with intention. Build your brand. Learn to use new tools. Grow your network. Outside of a college degree, how you present yourself and what you continue to learn beyond it matters just as much.
You’re not behind. You’re building.
Want to work with us 1:1 to receive support through your own job search journey? Click the button below to reach out to YourEdvantage@gmail.com and inquire.
Start the job search with a guided workbook
Download the Foundations of the Job Search Workbook and fill out the prompts to prepare for your next career move.
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