Earlier this May marked a time of celebration for many young adults graduating from college. And while this time of accomplishment has nearly died down, these folks are now entering another form of commencement: new jobs.
At least, that is the reality many should be boasting during this time of year. But the truth of it is, seeking “adult” jobs nowadays is not what it used to be, especially for those wanting a career in the tech industry. Oftentimes, employers ask for too much in experience or expect a picture-perfect resume that is way beyond what an entry-level role entails. Potential candidates face a crossroads of dilemmas, ultimately struggling to find a dream role they’ve worked long and hard to earn.
Comparably, data shows recent graduates seeking a job in tech are in fact reaching a difficult market. For example, one article from TechCrunch found that the hiring of new graduates by the 15 largest tech companies has plummeted over 50% since 2019. While both staggering and disappointing, the number suggests there’s much to be done about how to approach the hiring game differently.
As one expert in tech puts it, it’s time to put more intentionality and purpose behind the application.
“Tech isn’t in hypergrowth mode anymore, and that means the rules have changed for breaking in. It’s not just about flashy resumes or knowing the right framework, it’s about persistence, adaptability, and showing real value,” Brian Sathianathan, Co-Founder of Iterate.ai.
In other words, new graduates should focus on what they do have and start developing their talents more tangibly. Whether that means improving a portfolio or engaging in volunteer work first, today’s labor force requires a gradual, step-by-step strategy.
“My advice to young professionals is to stop waiting for the perfect job posting and start building. Contribute to open-source, launch a small project, freelance if you have to. Demonstrate that you can create and solve problems in the real world. That’s what gets noticed now,” Sathianathan added.
There is much debate as to why tech jobs have become a distant reality over the past few years. On one end, technological advancements like artificial intelligence have reduced the need for particular roles. With automated robots able to accomplish tasks more efficiently, hiring managers do not need to backfill these responsibilities with human candidates. Secondly, increased competition has played a part in landing a job successfully. Desirable factors like remote work and benefits have resulted in a vast pool of applicants, offering roles to many more individuals than ever before.
But while the tech field continues to affect many graduates, the trend is not all grim, and the future outlook seems promising. In the same TechCrunch source, latest research proves the tech industry is projected to expand across many other sectors, such as in healthcare and retail fields. Additionally, available tech jobs will grow from approximately 6 million this year to 7.1 million by 2034. As it shows, tech careers are not going anywhere, and generations to come will soon reap the benefits.
While tech graduates are experiencing the job search head on, it is important to acknowledge that taking initiative now can make a great difference. Learning how to network properly or craft a professional LinkedIn profile can be easy first steps and one way to put on a professional face. It’s not always about adopting a standard script, but rather implementing one small effort that will stand out amongst recruiters.
Overall, the tech world will look upward eventually, but today it requires a more innovative form of hustle. For graduates willing to pivot, persist, and adapt, finding a job can be smooth and possible.