New College Grad, No Job Yet? You’re Not Alone—But You Can Stand Out

The job market for new college graduates is tougher than it’s been in years.

According to recent data from the Federal Reserve, unemployment among recent college graduates is climbing, hovering at levels we haven’t seen since the 2008 recession. The reasons are complex: corporate belt-tightening, AI-driven job consolidation, and a wave of delayed hiring cycles across tech, media, and even finance.

But for students and recent grads, it all feels like the same thing: a wall of silence after sending out resume after resume on LinkedIn, Indeed, and Handshake.

Let’s be clear, it's not that you’re not qualified. It’s that you’re not standing out.

The "Spray and Pray" Job Hunt Doesn't Work Anymore

We hear it every day: “I’ve applied to 100+ jobs and barely received any replies.” That’s not a reflection of your intelligence or potential—it’s a signal that the game has changed.

Mass applying on LinkedIn might feel productive, but without personalization, targeting, and a compelling narrative, your resume becomes just another PDF in a stack of thousands.

Hiring managers and recruiters are inundated. They’re not looking for applicants. They’re looking for signals—of preparation, professionalism, and potential.

What Employers are Really Looking For

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: a degree gets you in the door, but it doesn’t get you the job. Employers are hiring for:

• Clear communication

• Confidence and presence in interviews

• An understanding of the company’s business

• Relevant experience or transferable skills

• A proactive attitude that says, “I’ve done the work already.”

That’s why Second Step exists—to help students and recent grads transform from “qualified on paper” to “compelling in person.”

To Be Compelling in Person, You Have to Get the Interview

Our clients don’t just get resume feedback. They get a strategy. They practice interviews, sharpen their LinkedIn presence, build personal outreach plans, and learn how to show their value, not just list it.

We’ve helped students land roles at top companies across sales, marketing, finance, and customer success. They didn’t get lucky. They got prepared.

Ready to Compete and Win?

If you're a parent worried about your child’s job search, or a student feeling lost in a sea of auto-rejections, don’t give up.

Second Step is your partner in the process. We help students create a job search strategy that actually works—and guide them every step of the way.