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Getting a job these days can often feel like an unwinnable game of cat of mouse. The kind of game where just as you think you have the upper hand, the goal post moves.
The parents of Gen Z walked into a job market that seemingly rewarded you for following all of the necessary steps for success. The fruits of their parents’ labor included financial stability, independence and security. Unlike their parents, Gen Z’s inheriting inflation, the rise of AI and job instability. Getting a college degree has become the bare minimum for obtaining employment. Getting hired on the other hand has become less formulaic and more about creating your own opportunities.
Social media and mass generalizations about the state of the job market are deterrents for many college students. Many times, articles or social media content tend to lean on the side of exacerbating numbers to add shock value. But when you get more specifics across industries, you’ll find that things aren’t exactly as bad as they seem. Companies are still hiring graduates despite what’s being spewed at you.
Though finding a job or an internship can seem like an uphill battle, know that if you stay the course the right opportunities will make their way to you. Focus on your independent variables and what you can control. How’s your portfolio looking? Is your resume concise and impactful? Are you taking extra steps to network and making professional connections? Taking inventory of these small things will help you in the long run.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers conducted their spring 2026 job outlook survey which revealed hiring predictions and patterns, AI sentiment in the workplace and what industries are projected to see growth in the coming years. The employer survey respondents span across industries and regions of the country. This data seemingly negates much of the fear mongering surrounding the state of the job market as it pertains to hiring college graduates.
Employers are projecting a 5.6% increase in hiring for the class of 2026 graduates. They are sighting company growth and expansion, commitment to succession, and demand for this increase in bringing on new talent. With 69% of respondents sharing company expansion as their top reason for increasing hiring, it goes to show that college students are not out of the conversation.
Hiring patterns
The top five industries leading the hiring charge are:
- Information
- Engineering services
- Wholesale trade
- Construction
- Miscellaneous professional services
The industries we are likely to see take a dip in hiring are:
- Utilities
- Computer + electronics manufacturing
- Miscellaneous manufacturing
- Food + beverage manufacturing
- Chemical (pharmaceutical) manufacturing
55% of employers say they are committed to maintaining their current hiring patterns. While only 11.4% of employers say they will likely see a decline in hiring new talent. 33.7% of employers are planning to see increases in their amount of hiring.
These numbers are reflective of a “low-fire low-hire” market, meaning if you are employed, you’re relatively safe, but there may be a fewer number of new positions and job listings to go around. This scarcity is why we’re seeing an uptick in applicants hoping to secure the same position.
Artificial Intelligence
When asked whether artificial intelligence has reduced the need for entry-level workers’ tasks, 52.2% of survey respondents said, “not at all” and 21% of respondents said they were “unsure” or skeptical about these reductions. Translation…we still need humans!
When asked about the nature of the conversations about AI across organizational aspects, 79% of employers said they are speaking about AI for technological use only. 76% of respondents claim they are speaking about the ethical considerations of AI usage. Only 21% of employers are speaking about AI as it pertains to job or role redesign.
It’s important to note that many of these conservations are ongoing; there aren’t many definitive answers being shelled out right now. As a student, you should be privy to the ways in which AI is evolving. So that means learning how to use it as a tool to enhance your workflow, understanding the construction of a good prompt and staying informed on its integration in your prospective industry.
Now that we have some quantifiable data, it’s true, the job market is tighter, but the door is still open for those who knock. Employers are still willing to hire bright candidates, industries are still growing and yes, graduates are still a part of this conversation. What’s not present in the numbers is you. Your distinct vision, your creative process and your commitment to success. A willingness to remain informed and adaptable in a landscape that’s no stranger to change – that’s what will get you through the door. The goal posts may have moved, but the game is still yours to play.
By Raigan Clay