What New Graduates Need to Know About AI, Resumes, and Hiring
Recent college graduates are entering a difficult job market, with unemployment well above the national average and fewer openings for higher-paying, degree-related roles. Employers are increasingly using AI to screen early-career applications and are looking for candidates with AI skills. LinkedIn research indicates more students are adding AI abilities to their resumes, but many Gen Z job seekers still hesitate to use AI in their job search or see it as a skill they must learn.
According to New York Fed data cited in the report, 22-to-27-year-old college graduates faced 5.7% unemployment in June 2026, above the national rate and one percentage point higher than two years earlier. For all young workers, unemployment was 7.2%, while 42% of college graduates held jobs not requiring a bachelor’s degree, versus 33.7% across all graduates.
Campus reporting from Seton Hall’s Michela DiLorenzo found some students delaying graduate school, taking summer or other work to save money. Employers increasingly use AI to screen early-career applicants, and LinkedIn research shows more students listing AI skills, though many Gen Z job seekers remain reluctant to use AI in their searches.
The shift toward AI screening and AI-skill expectations could reshape early-career opportunity for graduates, especially those without strong networks or technical backgrounds. If employers rely more on automated filters, some candidates may struggle to show potential, while those who adapt could gain an edge. The broader effects may extend to education choices, entry-level training, and how young workers build careers, though outcomes may vary by industry and role.