Is it normal to be unemployed a year after college?

In today’s job market, post-grad unemployment is all too common. According to the U.S. Department of Education, the unemployment rate for recent college graduates has risen from 5.9 percent in 2007 to almost 10 percent today. And the consequences of this job scarcity go beyond empty pockets and resume gaps—graduating during an economic recession can also have a lasting impact on your career. In fact, one study found that a prolonged period of unemployment after college can lower wages and make it harder to find a job later on, even if you get another degree. Read on to discover more about being unemployed a year after college and what steps you can take to help ease your transition into the working world.

What is the reason for being unemployed a year after college?

In terms of timing, graduating during a recession can be a huge stumbling block on your path to employment. Whether you’re entering the job market right out of high school or in your mid- to late-20s, the state of the economy greatly impacts the types of jobs you can apply to and the number of people competing for those jobs. According to the many studies on unemployment rates after college, these factors also contribute to the rising rate of post-grad unemployment:

• Recessionary hiring patterns: During times of economic uncertainty, employers are more cautious about expanding their businesses and hiring new employees. They may also favor experienced workers over new grads who lack the skills and knowledge to immediately contribute to the company.
• Growing competition for jobs: As the population grows and more people enter the job market, the number of job seekers also increases, especially for certain types of jobs that are in high demand. For example, nursing and engineering jobs have seen a rise in applicants over the last 10 years.
• Changing industries and industries hiring less: Certain industries, like construction and manufacturing, have reduced their hiring because of the recession. Meanwhile, certain industries, like healthcare, have increased their hiring because of the increased demand for healthcare services.

Why is it difficult to find a job as a college graduate?

It’s no secret that the job market has been tough since the Great Recession of 2008-2009. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for all Americans has hovered around 4 percent since 2010. Unfortunately, the job market for recent college graduates is even more challenging. The main factors that contribute to higher unemployment rates for recent graduates include:

• A weak labor market: The overall job market is considered weak when unemployment rates remain high and the number of available jobs is significantly lower than the number of job seekers. This was especially true during the Great Recession, when millions of workers lost their jobs and millions more were unable to find work.
• Inexperience: Although some employers value new grads for their fresh perspective and enthusiasm for the job, many industries hire workers with experience or specific skills. New graduates usually don’t qualify.
• Industry hiring preferences: Some industries, like healthcare and education, always have high demand for workers. Other industries, like high-tech and finance, have had high demand in recent years but may shift or decline in the future.

Strategies for finding employment as an unemployed recent grad.

Finding employment after graduation is challenging enough, but when you’re unemployed a year after college, you have even more to contend with. The best way to improve your chances of finding employment as an unemployed recent grad is to be proactive. Here are some tips to get started:

• Create a resume and cover letter: Even though you may not be actively searching for a job, it’s important to have a resume and cover letter ready. In fact, 54 percent of hiring managers look at resumes even if they aren’t hiring, so you need to be ready to submit your resume at any time.
• Do some soul-searching: Before you start applying for jobs, take some time to figure out what you want to do and where you want to do it. Are there types of companies or industries you’re interested in? Are there certain skills you want to develop? Finding a focus will help you stay motivated and move forward.
• Network with others: It’s easy to feel like you’re alone in your job search, but you can find support and helpful connections through local networking events, online forums, and mentors. Not only will networking help you find a job, but it can also lead to new friendships and helpful connections for your future career.

You can still succeed after being unemployed a year after college.

According to a study by the Wall Street Journal, most unemployed people find work within six months. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for everyone. In fact, the same study found that unemployed people who are out of work for a year have a harder time finding work in the future. This is because:

• Employers value recent graduates’ experience over your older resume. Since many hiring managers graduated during better economic times, they may be hesitant to hire someone who has been out of work for so long.
• Employers expect people to be out of work for only a few months. If you’ve been out of work for a year or longer, many hiring managers may view your extended unemployment as a sign that you can’t find a job.
• Extended unemployment can lead to lower wages. While some unemployment benefits are based on how long you’ve been out of work, others are based on your previous salary. If you’ve been out of work for a year, you’re less likely to find a job that pays as much.

Bottom line

Being unemployed a year after college is a common occurrence in today’s job market. To improve your chances of finding work, be proactive, do some soul-searching, and network with others. Remember that even if you’ve been out of work for a year, you can still succeed at finding a job. Always remember that it takes just one employer to say yes! Continue to apply, continue to get interviews, and continue to improve on your performance in those interviews until you land that role!