By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter

I worked in recruiting for a long time before transitioning to job search coaching. I can’t remember many graduating classes that were optimistic about their prospects of finding a job after graduation. Heck, even in the movie “The Graduate,” the young Dustin Hoffman didn’t know what he wanted to do after he graduated. It’s one of the reasons the advice he receives, “plastics. Go into plastics,” is as funny as it was.

If you were giving advice to someone who was graduating from college today and had to look for a job, what advice would you give them?

Alex Freund: Great question, Jeff Altman, MSW, CCTC. It is one I often hear about nowadays. You’re right, grads have always faced some uncertainty, but 2025 throws a pretty tricky curveball. Even though unemployment is historically low overall, youth unemployment is hovering around 10%, and competition is fierce.
Here is my advice: Stay open to industries or roles you haven’t considered. Sometimes, detours lead to surprisingly great destinations.

Upskilling now is appropriate. Whether certifications, micro-credentials, or learning new tools, investing in your skill set keeps you competitive and confident.
Networking opens doors through personal connections. Don’t hesitate to reach out, ask for intros, or join professional groups.

You can think short-term for now. Part-time or contract work might not be the dream, but it’s a way to stay active, gain experience, and be ready when full-time opportunities open.

I am sure there are several other good ones, but I couldn’t think of them now. Let’s see what our other friends say about this critical topic.

Marty Gilbert: Jeff… great movie.

I am sure there are several other good ones, but I couldn’t think of them now. Let’s see what our other friends say about this critical topic.
If I was giving advice to someone looking for their very first job out of school, I would recommend that they go through some type of an assessment to understand what their interests are versus what their strengths are. And understand where the two overlap so that you could start to get a sense for what kind of a career and career path you might want to pursue. Too often people come right out of school and simply apply to almost anything hoping that they can get something quickly. But it may not end up being something that they’re happy with longer-term.

Jeff… in fact, some AI tools could be a great free way to get started

Kathryn Stoehr: It may sound simple enough, but start with the goal. Visualize where you see yourself today, and 5-10 years from now. Look at what jobs are available on job boards that have acceptable salary/location/interest, then tailor your education and update your resume for the jobs that most interest you. This is common sense that a lot of young people overlook.

Kathryn Stoehr Thanks for adding your voice. I’ll add that is the starting point. However, it’s important to pay attention to trends and changes that should cause a change of plan.

Thanks for adding your voice. I’ll add that is the starting point. However, it’s important to pay attention to trends and changes that should cause a change of plan.

Agreed. Some jobs available today may go away in a few years. The way I explain it to teenagers is in terms of fashion (a well fitted favorite pair of jeans can last for years but something trendy may go out of style next season). Choose what you like, based on what you see on job boards, then get the skills and education to get that job. Meanwhile always be cognizant of “trendy” jobs, such as AI training which is the rage now.

Rohit Sarkar: It would be ‘Clarity’.
Be clear about
– What you want to do.
– What you can do
– Why and how you’re gonna do it.

Good idea AND it is easier to think about what you don’t want to do first

David Schuchman Great question, Jeff, Tagging on to the good suggestions of the others, I would also advise new graduates to set up and attend informational interviews. People new to working full time in their industry of study or interest need to learn as much as possible from people that have experience.

Hope (Lovell) Newman: I would say look inside before you look outside. Without understanding your own strengths, skills, values, and personality, it’s hard to find a career that will be satisfying.

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ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER

People hire Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter to provide No BS Career Advice globally because he makes many things in peoples’ careers easier. Those things can involve job search, hiring more effectively, managing and leading better, career transition, as well as advice about resolving workplace issues.

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