Gen Z's Secret Weapon: How to Dominate the Toughest Job Market in Years

The class of 2026 is facing unprecedented challenges in the job market. Job postings on Handshake—a career platform for early-career talent—have fallen more than 16% between August 2024 and August 2025, while the average number of applications per role has jumped 26%.

More than 60% of the class of 2026 is pessimistic about their career prospects, and employers confirm the struggle—more than half indicate the entry-level job market is "poor" or "fair" according to a National Association of Colleges and Employers survey.

Yet, according to Christine Cruzvergara, Handshake's chief education strategy officer, the most prepared students still win. Those seeing success are proactively equipping and marketing themselves as critical parts of a new workplace era.

Lean into AI—Don't Hide From It

While economic factors and federal workforce reductions have tightened the entry-level job market, AI has caused companies to rethink their overall workforce strategies. Cruzvergara emphasizes that students who stand out aren't those avoiding AI, but those learning to use it thoughtfully.

"[Employers] want to understand how a student is thinking through that process," Cruzvergara told Fortune. "So if a student wants to stand out in this job search, they have to be able to articulate not just what they do, but why they do it and how they do it."

To do this well, Gen Z must demonstrate good judgement—a skill encapsulating critical thinking and communication.

Network with Intention

Networking remains tried-and-true advice for exploring career paths and job leads. Today, Cruzvergara notes it's also crucial for understanding how AI is shaping your desired field in real time.

She suggests talking to people already holding your dream job. Ask how they're using AI daily, where the gaps are, and how new grads can add value. These insights help differentiate you later in the hiring process.

Build Skills That Set You Apart

There's no better time than now to build specific, demonstrable skills.

"Build your skills by identifying skills and certifications that can help to differentiate you," Tanya Moore, chief people officer at consulting firm West Monroe, told Fortune.

"Are you looking for a cyber job? Get a Security+ certification with CompTIA. Are you looking for an entry-level sales job? Learn how to leverage Salesforce or other CRM platforms."

Even a handful of targeted skills can help early-career candidates break through the noise—especially when those skills meet identified employer needs.

Move Quickly—and Tailor Everything

AI has made it easier than ever to tailor resumes or cover letters, but because many applicants are doing the same, the bar for standing out keeps rising.

When applying, Cruzvergara stresses the importance of self-evaluation and personalization.

"AI can't replicate taste; it can't replicate who you are," she said. "If you and I are both using ChatGPT to help us write our cover letters for the same job, our responsibility is to feed it enough information about ourselves."

Time is also critical, Moore added.

"The longer you wait to apply, the more chance they will fill the role with candidates that applied before you. Every company is using an applicant tracking system which scans your resume, so tailor your resume and cover letter to the position every time."

Moore also advises job hunters to look beyond well-known brand names—"there are a ton of great jobs with mid-market and smaller firms that can give you great experience to grow in your career."

Adopt the Right Mindset

During the entry-level job search, discouragement is common—but it's not failure. Maintaining confidence involves reframing the stakes: your first job isn't your forever job, and you only need one company to say yes.

"You're looking for a job that will train you, give you skills, give you exposure," Cruzvergara said. "You're going to meet people and learn. That's what you're looking for."

Above all, Cruzvergara emphasizes the importance of a support network.

"You will question yourself and you might second guess if you're good enough," she said. "You need folks that are going to be an honest reflection to you of what your strengths are, what your skills are, and, quite frankly, also tell you if you're making mistakes."