Other key takeaways…

Fourteen percent of earlier graduates say much of what they learned now feels outdated, with AI cited as a major reason.
Resumes continue to be the part of the job-hunting process where graduates, past and present, struggle most.
Most fresh graduates (77%) expect their working life to be better than their student years, but in hindsight, more than half (51%) of earlier graduates say their student years were better.
Around 11% of today’s fresh graduates are working part-time, compared to 19% of earlier graduates who worked part-time while studying.
Freelancing or gig work is equally common, with 9% of today’s fresh graduates and 8% of earlier graduates taking this route.
About 6% of both groups secured a job through an internship or apprenticeship.
A small share also chose to take time off to travel or volunteer—4% among today’s fresh graduates and 3% among those who graduated earlier.

“The journey from classroom to career has never been straightforward. But it’s clear that today’s graduates are entering a job market that’s more uncertain, more digital, and arguably more demanding than ever,” Kickresume said in the report. “While the tools have changed, the core struggles haven’t. Gaining experience, crafting a standout resume, understanding job ads—these hurdles remain firmly in place.”

Special Reports /

Over half of fresh college grads can’t find a job

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