US employers are sounding the alarm for the Class of 2026, predicting the worst job market for college graduates since the pandemic. More than half of 183 companies surveyed by the National Association of Colleges and Employers say next spring’s hiring environment will be “poor” or “fair,” reflecting a steep drop in optimism. With mass layoffs sweeping across industries—from UPS and Amazon to Verizon’s planned 15,000 job cuts—companies are hiring more cautiously and focusing on candidates with prior experience.
The slowdown means new graduates will increasingly compete with laid-off junior workers, a trend already reflected in unemployment numbers. In June, recent grads faced a 4.8% jobless rate, the highest midyear level in four years and higher than the national average, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Adding to the challenge, employers are openly discussing how artificial intelligence could replace tasks traditionally handled by entry-level hires, further tightening the market.
Nonetheless, companies still expect hiring to rise slightly, by 1.6%, for the Class of 2026. However, that figure is far below last year’s projections for the Class of 2025, and historical patterns show employers often revise hiring plans downward by spring. The message is clear: graduates will need to be more strategic than ever as they prepare to enter the workforce.
Today’s job market is tougher than ever to break into, with dozens of applicants often competing for the same opportunities. But there are still ways to stand out. From using social media strategically to developing leadership skills in unexpected places, this gallery offers tips to help you land your dream role. Curious how you can get ahead starting now? Click through to explore further.