Unlock Your Career in 2025: Master AI for Job Search Success

Welcome to the workforce, class of 2025. Here’s how to leverage AI effectively in your job search.

Landing your first full-time job is an impressive feat at any time, but today it’s becoming even more of an accomplishment. Between the current economic uncertainty and the AI-ification of the workforce, the class of 2025 is struggling to find their place in a fast-changing world.

A study released today by iCIMS found that although entry-level hiring is up 6% over last year, there are still far too many candidates waiting in the wings. For every entry-level job opening, 36 people applied—compared to 29 applicants per entry-level job opening last year.

Gen Z applicants are also dealing with the disconnect between companies’ professed skills-first hiring strategies and how they actually hire. iCIMS found that although 95% of recruiters say they use skills-based practices, when assessing entry-level candidates they rank experience (37%) and education (34%) above skills (28%) as the most important factors.

Yet for all this, there are still great opportunities out there for persistent job seekers. “While the job market is highly competitive, graduates who remain adaptable and resilient in their job search efforts can find meaningful opportunities,” says Jake Gomez, Head of NA Vertical Strategy, ManpowerGroup.

3 Major Challenges in Today’s Job Market

Gomez sees three major hurdles that this year’s college graduates must overcome to launch their careers.

1. Cautious hiring. Many employers are navigating the current economic climate, which includes tariffs, leading to increased economic uncertainty.
2. AI and ‘starter’ roles. With the trend of automation in the workforce, many previous ‘starter’ jobs that a new graduate would handle are being handled by AI.
3. Mismatch and saturation. With the advent of new roles within the industry due to AI and its transformation, many roles have adapted, but degrees have not kept pace with the changing landscape.

Standing Out

In today’s job market, Gomez estimates that it will take most graduates 4–6 months to find work—and upwards of 8 months for certain degrees. And they’ll need to go beyond the basics.

• Showcase your skills and talent, not just a GPA. Employers want to see how you will make their company better by hiring you.
• Tailor your responses. While AI tools can help formulate ideas and help build a framework, they can also generalize way too much.
• Build your brand. LinkedIn is non-negotiable—you must become a part of a community that you see yourself working in.

How AI is Affecting the Job Search

AI is a two-edged sword: while it can help young job seekers, it can also hurt if overused or not used properly.

Gomez points to ManpowerGroup's latest research on AI in the workplace, which shows that 85% of employers now use AI in hiring processes. Most, however, recognize its limitations.

So where can AI be a help, not a hindrance?

1. Resume and cover letters. AI can quickly tailor to specific postings, which can help get past the applicant tracking system (ATS) companies use.
2. Interview preparation. Practice interview questions of both what to answer and what to ask.
3. Job discovery. AI-powered platforms can assist in finding more relevant roles that you may have missed.

Job Searching Beyond AI

While AI is now a big piece of the employment puzzle, it’s not the only tool you can use to get hired. Gomez identifies three key actions you can take to improve your employability:

1. Skill up. Build in-demand skills by taking online courses or getting certifications in areas of interest, including AI tools and platforms.
2. Do freelance, part-time, or project work. Reach out to local small businesses or nonprofits to help them and give you a chance to build the desired experience and demonstrate initiative.
3. Network with purpose. Set up informal interviews with professionals in your field of interest.