That’s according to a survey of new college grads by online employment marketplace ZipRecruiter, which found the latest group of graduates is bullish about their job prospects, despite signs that employers are regaining leverage in the hiring market.

That being said, the survey suggests some graduates may be in for a rude awakening when it comes to pay and some of their other expectations.

ZipRecruiter’s survey found 85% of graduates say they have already been recruited, and 70% expect to land a full-time job in the coming year.

Ian Siegel, ZipRecruiter co-founder and CEO, said the optimism is well-founded, despite short-term economic uncertainty — at least when it comes to landing a job.

In this hiring market, Siegel said employers are putting a premium on trainability and soft skills. That is creating opportunities for new graduates.

“The way companies work is changing at a blistering pace,” Siegel said.

Graduates looking for flexibility:

About 44% of graduates want a hybrid work arrangement, while 33% want to be fully remote. Recruiters have told The Playbook that jobs offering fully remote work are getting tougher to come by, and many companies are pulling back on their hybrid models.

That suggests a rude awakening could be on the horizon. Only 23% of new graduates said they want to be in the office every day.

But a recent analysis of job postings by Lightcast found the percentage of postings advertising remote work is trending down — falling from 8.9% in October 2022 to 6.4% in March. The percentage remains above pre-pandemic levels but is another example of employers regaining leverage in the hiring market.

“We’re seeing the push-and-pull between remote work and back-to-the-office play out in job postings. Remote work is here to stay. But some companies want employees to resume working in person and are willing to pay to relocate talent to fill those in-person positions,” said Lightcast Senior Economist Layla O’Kane. 

What new graduates expect for starting salaries:

While flexibility remains important, it’s not one of the top three factors new grads are looking for. The top three are advancement opportunities, pay and job security.

The average pay expectation is $69,200 for women and $71,900 for men.

But the expectation drops among students who have already begun their search, with pay expectations among that group averaging $8,300 less — suggesting that many grads have unrealistic expectations about what they might get at a time when many employers are tweaking their pay strategies after two years of aggressive raises and signing bonuses.

In March, starting pay among newly hired workers at small and midsized businesses was 7.5% lower than pay for those hired last year, according to data from payroll and benefits provider Gusto Inc.

ZipRecruiter’s survey found inflation is weighing on the minds of new grads, with 90% of respondents expecting to offset rising costs by taking on a side hustle, moving to an economically friendly city, living with their families or finding a roommate.

They are also being more flexible with how they think about their careers.

“In an economy defined by a constant drumbeat of disruptive innovations, new graduates are less likely to have predictable and linear careers. Embracing change and remaining open to new opportunities is critical in the near-term labor market,” Siegel said.

The metros where Gen Z could be a particularly tough challenge:

A separate survey of 500 soon-to-be college grads conducted earlier this year on behalf of A. Team, a company that connects builders and firms, found 33% said the ability to work remote was the most important factor in their job search, followed by pay at 21%.

About 58% said they would look for a new job if their employer required them to be in the office five days a week.

Despite a tight labor market over the last few years, early retirements and other demographic changes, the job market is starting to show signs of weakening under the weight of the Federal Reserve’s efforts to tamp down inflation with rising interest rates.

The number of job openings fell to 9.6 million on the last day in March, the lowest in nearly two years — although still higher than before the pandemic, according to the newest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Meanwhile, layoffs creeped up to 1.2% as many companies cut back. The quit rate ticked down to 2.5%, the lowest since the pandemic began, showing fewer workers willing to leave their job.

Despite high-profile layoffs at big tech and consulting companies and overall national economic growth slowing in the most recent quarter, small-business owners are optimistic about their fortunes — and they are hiring or at least trying to.

New graduates will be a critical component of that effort, as experts say retaining and recruiting Gen Z workers should be a top priority for businesses because the generation is smaller than prior generations — meaning employers are likely to face a tight talent market even if the economy struggles.

Written by Andy Medici

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Second, job recruiters can provide valuable guidance and advice throughout the job search process. They can help you tailor your resume and cover letter to make them more effective, and they can provide you with tips and strategies for acing interviews. This can be especially helpful if you’re looking to transition into a new industry or if you’re seeking a more senior position. 

Third, job recruiters can act as an advocate on your behalf. They can help negotiate salary and benefits on your behalf, and they can provide valuable feedback to help you improve your job search strategy. 

Overall, using a job recruiter to help find a new position in 2023 can provide you with access to a wider range of job opportunities, valuable guidance and advice, and an advocate to help you succeed in your job search. 

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Consider what transferrable skills you have. Take a look at job descriptions in the industry you want to target and identify the skills and qualifications they are they seeking. Visit professional associations and conduct informational interviews to gather additional information about the industry and positions within it. Then identify what you can offer and see how things line up. “Start by looking at every aspect of your work experience, including day-to-day responsibilities, projects in which you played a part, and various tasks you handled,” advises Nancy Halverson, MRINetwork VP, Global Operations. “Then break down the steps involved and identify the combination of skills that each required. And finally, compare your list of skills to the list of desired skills and see where there’s overlap. Those are your transferable skills.”

Hone in on industries that are hiring now. If your employer furloughed you or you were already in the midst of a job search when the coronavirus arrived in the U.S., you’ll want to shift gears and focus on those industries and employers that are able to continue to actively hire.  According to the Huffington Post, “industries that are meeting the demands of the pandemic, including retail, delivery, military, taxes, remote learning and health care are actively hiring.”

Look into interim employment. Companies are often reluctant to hire a full-time worker in a brand new industry in which the employee has no experience. But they may be much more open to the idea of bringing you on board on an interim basis. Reach out to a company that works with companies offering interim jobs in the field that interests you. Let them know you’re open to any interim or contract work that becomes available. Once you get your foot in the door, you can make connections and start learning the skills that should enable you to find a job in your chosen industry.

Understand negotiations could be trickier. As recently as a few months ago, candidates were in a strong position to negotiate salary and benefits, but that favorable job market has shifted, reports the Washington Post. With less hiring going on and more people in the active job search pool, a greater number of applicants are competing for fewer jobs. Employers may feel that they can get skilled applicants without paying top-tier salaries. “But if you’re realistic,” advises the article, “and do your research on average industry standards for the position in the region and how these industries have fared through the COVID-19 crisis, you’ll be better equipped to negotiate fair compensation for everyone involved.”

Despite the uncertainties ahead, this is a good time to think about where you want to be in the future, says Halverson. “Take a hard look at what you truly like to do. Perhaps you have sales in your background but don’t love sales.  This is the time to be honest with yourself and get into a career you love,” she says. “The passion, energy and credibility to flip to a new industry are much more likely to come through on something you love rather than merely tolerate.”

And remember that you lost your job because of a pandemic beyond your control, not because of a failure on your part. It is critical that you remain confident and recognize your worth.

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”If you are faced with pivoting to a video interview, there are many resources available to help you succeed while social distancing and other safety measures are in place,” advises Nancy Halverson, SVP Global Operations. “The video interview is quite different from the face-to-face interview and can be unnerving to those who are new to it so preparation is key.”

Here are two sites that offer tips to help you perform at the top of your game:

How to Prepare for a Virtual Interview This guide provides tips on how to make sure your technology won’t let you down, on ensuring that your location is private, and on how to make good eye contact and express your feelings in front of the camera

How to Boost Your Likability in Video and Phone Interviews This article coaches you through a variety of strategies to ensure you’re making just as strong of an impression on a video screen as you might in real life and demonstrating your enthusiasm for the job.

“Do your homework just as you would for any other interview,” says Halverson, “Rehearse your responses to key interview questions and prepare your own questions for the interviewer. Remember that dressing appropriately is no less important for a remote interview than it is for an in-person interview. And take a good look at your surroundings to be sure they are tidy and there’s nothing on view that could be embarrassing.”

Follow up with a “thank you” email after the interview confirming your interest in the position. “Be patient if a recruiter or hiring manager is taking longer than usual to get back to you. Hiring typically requires approval from a number of different people,” cautions Halverson. “Without the ability for everyone to physically be in one room to provide feedback and collectively agree, your interviewers may need more time than usual to make a decision.”

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It’s best, therefore, to have an understanding of how to effectively conduct a video interview so that you can be confident and wow the interviewers.

First, it’s important to have the correct mentality when taking part in a video interview, according to a recent Fast Company article highlighting advice from LinkedIn’s head of career products.

“If you really want the job, make that crystal clear in your ‘thank you’ email after the interview. The same applies if you’re not interested in the role. Finally, be patient if a recruiter or hiring manager is taking longer than usual to get back to you. Hiring requires buy-in and approval from a number of different people,” according to the article. “Without the ability for everyone to physically be in one room to provide feedback and collectively agree, your interviewers may need a bit longer than usual to make a decision.”

Beyond having the right mentality, you should take care of more technical aspects of the job interview via video, including testing your internet connection. “Check your internet connection speed to help ensure your video will come across smoothly. It’s also a good idea to download the virtual meeting tools that are used to conduct interviews, like Microsoft Teams and Google Hangouts, which are currently being made available for free test runs,” as noted by Fast Company.

Along with your internet connection, it’s crucial that you both look the part and have a professional setting to take the call. You should treat the video interview as if you were going into the office. “Doing this will not only help you feel more confident, but it’ll also give a good impression to the person on the other side of the screen,” according to the article. That means dressing up and looking presentable.

Meanwhile, try and take the call in a neutral, clean area that exudes professionalism. “’It’s important to remember that video interviews give a peek into your personal life, so make sure that your space is clean and free of distractions. If possible, keep pets and family members in another room during the interview,” according to the Fast Company article.

By following these pieces of advice, you’ll ensure you’re set up for success during your video job interviews. In turn, that can help you find the right position for you, no matter what’s happening around the world.

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Here’s some advice on job hunting during the coronavirus pandemic:

First, it’s important to understand the conditions under which you’re likely to be interviewing. Since in-person interviews are probably canceled for now, you should expect to participate in numerous phone and video interviews. So, what are the best strategies for doing well under such circumstances? According to Forbes, it’s essential that you go into it like a regular face-to-face interview.

“You may be doing the interview from your living room, but don’t let yourself get too comfortable. Wear exactly what you would if the interview were in person. It’s tempting to wear a nice shirt paired with pajama pants, but doing that will negatively impact your performance,” according to the publication. “Putting on business clothing signals to your brain that it’s time for work, not relaxation. It’s a simple yet powerful mind trick that truly works.”

Along with treating the video interview with importance, it’s also even more essential that you take other forms of communication into consideration. While it’s always key to send thank you notes throughout the job hunting process, the act becomes more crucial these days. After all, there’s no human contact beyond video or voice chat. Therefore, you should do anything and everything you can to shine during the process in terms of communication.

Some tips on how to write an effective thank you note? According to Forbes, you should keep the letter concise, talk about specifics from the interview, refer to the position and heavily proofread the copy to make sure you put your best foot forward.

Additionally, coronavirus may cause many industries to institute hiring freezes. So you should expect the job hunt to take longer than average (such as many months). As a result, try and do as much networking as possible via phone and video calls so that you have people who can give you a heads-up on relevant job openings once the time comes. This may give you an edge on any competition for those roles.

The coronavirus is likely to dramatically change the way we work for months to come (if not longer). If you’re in the market for a new job, now’s the time to do your best and research so that you can ace the recruiting process and find a position in which you thrive.

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After all, taking a new job is a huge move and requires a person to take a large leap of faith in the new company and vice-versa. Here are tips on how a candidate can successfully evaluate a new potential employer:

First, you need to ask yourself an important question: “Can I see myself in this role and at this company for at least two years?” according to Forbes. The publication notes that because a job is a long-term commitment, it’s crucial to work there for at least a year. “Think beyond just the role you’re accepting and envision a career path with the company. You want to be sure that you see a future for yourself at the company, rather than having to repeat the job search process in a year or two’s time,” according to Forbes.

Another important thing to evaluate when looking at an employer and mulling over a job offer is the compensation and benefits you’ll receive with the opportunity. “No matter how perfect the job is or how excited you are to get an offer, you should always negotiate. Negotiation goes beyond salary, including benefits like flexibility, time off, transportation reimbursement, and work from home options,” as noted by the publication.

While the actual work may be great and you can see yourself liking your manager, it’s important to weigh how the compensation package would benefit you and your family.

Finally, you should evaluate whether a potential employer is a cultural fit. “The most important thing job seekers should look for in a new job offer before agreeing to take on the position is cultural fit and values alignment,” according to Forbes. By doing this, you can decide for yourself whether or not you can see yourself staying at the organization for years to come and as a place to advance your career successfully.

In sum, evaluating potential employers is no easy feat. By asking valuable questions during the recruiting process, however, you can learn about the company and see if it’d be a strong fit for your life and your future.

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However, doing this and impressing is no easy task. After all, you may not have all the required skills that more typical candidates who’ve been in the industry possess. “You’re not going to meet every requirement listed on a job description and that’s okay,” according to CNBC. The publication spoke with Barry Drexler, an interview expert, who said it’s important not to showcase too much insecurity when interviewing for positions where you might not have all the requirements. “Don’t volunteer insecurities,” says Drexler. “There’s no reason to volunteer what you haven’t done unless they ask.”

Here are some tips to nail an interview for a position in which you don’t have much industry experience or all the required skills:

Do your research. Hiring managers want to get to know candidates more, but they also want to see that candidates have a working knowledge of the position they’re applying for. Therefore, speak to people you may know if they’re in a similar field. Go online to the hiring company’s website to learn as much as you can about the firm’s history, its mission and strategy. Doing your homework shows that you’re engaged and willing to go above and beyond to succeed.

Clearly communicate the value you can bring to the role (despite not having all the required experience). For example, let’s say the hiring manager asks about a specific skill or capability. According to Drexler in his interview with CNBC, you should do three things to answer the question successfully: “Explain what you do know about the skill, give examples of similar skills that you possess and express that you’re willing to learn.”

By clearly communicating your worth in the interview and backing up your response with concrete examples and a willingness to learn, you’ll surely impress the hiring manager.

Prepare to answer the inevitable question: Why are you making the career switch now? You may want to actually say it out loud to a friend or family member for feedback. The key is to focus less on discussing your dissatisfaction with your current role, and more on how your prospective role will make better use of your skills and talents.

In sum, it’s crucial that you determine first what new industry you’d like to enter in order to be happier at work. Once you have, it’s important to do your research, communicate clearly and effectively, and prepare to answer questions about why you’re looking to switch industries. By following these tips, you’ll impress in your interviews and have a much easier time of landing a new job in a different industry.

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However, it’s best to do as much research as possible ahead of time so you’re highly prepared to ace that next interview and aren’t too nervous about what may come out of your mouth when you’re about to answer a question. According to Business Insider, for example, “the quickest way to be eliminated from consideration for a new job is making an avoidable interview blunder — like putting your foot in your mouth.”

In an interview with the publication, author and careers expert Michael Kerr discusses just how important speaking well in an interview can do for your changes at securing the job. “Every year we see more surveys and polls come out listing some of the crazy things that candidates do or say in job interviews,” he tells Business Insider. “So, it’s very clear that some people still haven’t received the memo: What you say in an interview matters immensely. It’s your audition!”

To help, we’ve compiled a list of words that you should avoid mentioning in your interviews at all costs:

“Need”

A job interview isn’t about discussing your needs as a possible employee, but rather the value you can bring to the organization. “This is the time to talk about their needs and what you can do to help fulfill them,” Kerr tells Business Insider. “Talking about your needs will flag you as someone who is potentially going to be high-maintenance and challenging to work with.”

“Money”

This is another word that you should avoid bringing up, especially earlier in the interview. Why? Because you want to impress your future employer first and then talk money and negotiate later. If you do so too early, you’ll come across as a red flag candidate who is only looking for money, and not actually a strong fit for the job, due to a lack of professionalism.

“I don’t have questions”

In pretty much any interview setting, you’ll be asked if you have questions for the interviewer near the end. You should always come prepared with a couple for each interviewer.

If you utter the phrase “I don’t have any questions,” it’ll come across as if you don’t care much about the company or the role. “When it’s your turn to query the interviewer, speak up! By this point, you should have a multitude of questions about the company, its mission and operating practices, and the qualities required of the ideal candidate,” according to Forbes. “Employers want engaged, dedicated employees, so demonstrate enthusiasm by asking intelligent questions about the job expectations and how you can best meet and exceed them.”

“I don’t know how”

This is another phrase that you want to avoid uttering at all costs. Why? Because it’ll show incompetence in a job interview, especially if you don’t follow the words up with something that’ll inspire the interview to trust that you have the skills required to do the job well. It “shows a lack of initiative and problem-solving skills,” according to Forbes.

In conclusion, there are many words you should avoid saying and instead focus on being positive and well-versed in the interviewer, the company, and the skills and experience you can offer in the role. If you project confidence and speak with a strong, conversational style, you’re sure to wow in your upcoming interviews.

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According to Forbes, upskilling is a highly important part of your strength as a job candidate. Taking courses and improving your skillsets are one way to accomplish this continuous learning feat.

Why is this the case? “Few people can predict their entire career path. For most, a career is a long and winding road, full of surprising twists and turns, hopefully more positive than negative,” according to Forbes. “Upskilling allows employees to gain knowledge in a new arena in which they may excel. This can lead to previously undiscovered talents, passions and, eventually, career paths leading to even more opportunities.”

Beyond that, it’s important to constantly be learning and improve yourself and your skills because, as Forbes notes, the future is unknown. “Even if an employee loves his or her job, the future is never guaranteed. Industries change, employers are forced to downsize, jobs are replaced by artificial intelligence, etc.,” according to the publication. The best way employees can ensure their future is to increase their value to their employer [and other employers] by expanding their knowledge and skillset.

So, what types of specific opportunities are available to learn?

First, you can always consider getting an advanced degree in a part-time capacity. Having an MBA or MA either via an in-person or online program can greatly enhance your marketability during job interviews and even when looking to be promoted at your organization.

In fact, research by Northeastern illustrates just how important degrees beyond a bachelor’s can be in today’s job market. “More than 16 million Americans–approximately eight percent of the population–have a master’s degree, representing a 43 percent increase since 2002. While earning a bachelor’s degree used to be enough to establish your career, today this is not the case.”

Plus, there’s data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics that illustrates this case even more profoundly: 18 percent of all jobs will require a master’s degree by 2022.

In addition to more traditional education, you should also consider certificate programs that are available online. For instance, LinkedIn offers courses through their LinkedIn Learning program, which includes thousands of topics taught by leaders in their industries. According to LinkedIn Learning’s website, there are over 900 courses in leadership and management topics, over 500 in software development, 400 in business software and more than 650 in data science for you to choose from. Moreover, these courses allow you to earn certificates that you can then add to your LinkedIn profile.

In sum, learning is a huge benefit to your career and your candidacy for a new job in the future. By challenging yourself, you’ll unlock even more of your potential – and you’ll be an all-star candidate in no-time as a result.

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