As the academic year draws to a close, many soon-to-be college graduates are grappling with feelings of uncertainty regarding the job market. A recent survey conducted by Handshake reveals that these graduates are notably pessimistic about their career prospects this spring, with 56 percent reporting feelings of very or somewhat pessimistic about their upcoming job opportunities.

This sense of unease comes in light of various economic challenges currently impacting the U.S. job market. Christine Cruzvergara, the Chief Education Officer of Handshake, provides a silver lining amidst this cloud of doubt. She points out that such downturns often serve as catalysts for innovation and adaptability among graduates. Every so often, we have cycles like this where, unfortunately, some of the graduating class experiences a downturn and they have to figure out, How am I going to get creative? And I think this class in particular is doing just that, Cruzvergara noted.

Amid this competitive landscape, graduating seniors are upping their game: they are applying to more jobs than previous cohorts, averaging around 16.5 applications per studenta remarkable 21 percent increase compared to the Class of 2024. This heightened effort reflects a determination to secure employment despite the obstacles ahead.

The criteria that graduates consider when applying for jobs provide further insight into their priorities. In a survey, 73 percent placed a premium on job location, indicating a desire to remain close to family or their hometowns; 70 percent prioritized job stability; while 63 percent were motivated by the potential for a higher starting salary. Additionally, 48 percent of students sought jobs that offer competitive benefits.

Interestingly, while many students value hybrid and online learning experiences, the majority expressed a preference for in-person roles following graduation. Only 12 percent indicated a desire to work remotely in the long term, signifying a strong inclination for traditional workplace environments. This is a notable shift since the trend towards remote work saw a decline; as of January 2025, merely 3.5 percent of job postings on Handshake offered fully remote positions.

Despite the current atmosphere of uncertainty, a significant number of graduating seniors63 percentstill aspire to land their dream jobs soon after leaving college. However, 13 percent of respondents acknowledged that they started college with a dream job in mind, only to find themselves without one as graduation approaches.

A survey conducted earlier this spring by ZipRecruiter highlighted that 82 percent of graduating seniors intend to begin working within three months post-graduation. Comparatively, only 77 percent of alumni who graduated in the previous year managed to secure employment within the same timeframe, with 5 percent continuing their job search after graduation.

Interview participation rates also suggest a proactive approach among students, with over two-thirds noting they had completed at least one job interview. Eighteen percent of these students reported undergoing between four and six interviews as of March 2025. This eagerness to engage with potential employers is further underscored by the economic pressures students are facing: nearly half expressed their intentions to negotiate higher salaries, a necessary move given the present inflationary environment. Recent graduates have seen average starting pre-tax incomes hover around $68,400, with the highest earners typically coming from fields like agriculture, environmental sciences, and natural resources.

Despite the prevailing pessimism among students, a significant number of employers remain optimistic about hiring new graduates. A recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) found that 65 percent of employers plan to maintain their hiring levels for college graduates this year, while a quarter of those surveyed indicated they intend to increase their hiring efforts for the 2024-25 recruitment cycle.

Particularly encouraging is the hiring outlook from companies in sectors such as support services, engineering services, social services, and food and beverage manufacturing, with over one-third of employers in these areas planning to hire more employees this year. In contrast, certain sectorsincluding motor vehicle manufacturing and accountingare anticipating a reduction in hiring.

Aligning with Handshakes findings, the NACE survey revealed that hybrid job postings would constitute the largest share of new entry-level positions at 49 percent, followed closely by fully in-person roles at 45 percent. Employers continue to place a high value on academic major as a key screening criterion, alongside internship experience and demonstrated proficiency in essential career competencies.

As the job market evolves, many companies are prioritizing skills-based hiring, a practice that 64 percent of surveyed employers reported utilizing, especially during the interview process (89 percent). This shift represents a growing trend towards valuing practical skills and competencies over traditional qualifications.

As graduation day approaches, both students and employers navigate a complex landscape, balancing optimism with caution. The hope remains that innovative approaches and determination will pave the way for successful career beginnings for the Class of 2025.