New college graduates are facing a tough job market this year, according to data from Gusto.
The average May and June hiring rate for the class of 2025 is forecast to be 4.8%, which is 16% lower than last year’s rate of 5.8%. It’s also 44% lower than the hiring rate of 8.7% just a few years ago for the class of 2022.
The low rate is due to a broader slowdown in the labor market, especially for entry-level roles. Tariffs, inflation and uncertainty about interest rates have many employees holding onto their jobs and many employers pausing expansion plans.
The rise of AI is also causing companies to restructure entry-level roles or even automate tasks that used to be done by people.
First Rank, an SEO and digital marketing company, recently analyzed job market data to determine which abilities would give candidates the best chance of landing a marketing job in this challenging job market.
“Whether you’re a fresh graduate entering the job market or an experienced professional looking to update your skills, these insights reveal where you should focus your development goals,” said Jacob Kettner, First Rank’s founder, in a statement.
The slideshow above highlights the top 10 marketing skills for 2025, according to First Rank.
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