What Should New Grads Do When Entry-Level Jobs Are Disappearing? Expert Advice for 2025

Okay, I need to talk about something that's keeping me up at night.

From family to friends, I had more parents call me about career coaching, resume reviews, or job hunting support for their recent graduates than I've ever had before (and I've been heavily involved in large volumes of early career hiring for almost a decade).

September has brought us these stats and...yikes:

• 29% of leaders say they wouldn't hire today's entry-level employees (General Assembly/Unleash

• Gen Z's average job stint? 1.1 years. ONE POINT ONE. (Randstad)

• Global entry-level job postings are down 29% since January (Randstad) and the US is down 35% (CNBC)

As someone who went to grad school during the Great Recession (unemployment was finally starting to drop when I graduated), I remember that stomach-dropping feeling of sending out resume after resume into the void. BUT, for every Dario Amodei of Anthropic, who thinks AI could automate 50% of entry-level white-collar jobs, there is a Francine Katsoudas from Cisco who says that early career hiring slow down is a "blip" and short-term.

I know that isn't exactly reassuring but, what do we do now?

Because sitting around panicking isn't exactly a career strategy.

If you're a parent or mentor

(looking at you, fellow parents trying to guide our kids through this mess). 

Your kid needs more than a good GPA. They need:

• Real experience. Even job shadowing counts, especially at the Freshman level. And make sure it's in their field.

• Those "soft skills" everyone keeps talking about? (spoiler: they're not soft, they're essential). Make your kids talk to you at dinner.

• Stories about what makes them special and different. Help them see it and say it. "I'll take any job" doesn't help them stand out in a sea of great young professionals. 

If you're a student or early career professional:

Listen, I've been on both sides of the hiring table. I know it’s TOUGH right now. Here's what actually works (I’ll do a post for active seekers soon):

• Internships > perfect resume. Start small, build to more competitive companies. Get three if you can, one every summer. I’ve seen too many kids who spent their summers working in restaurants but looking for engineering or finance full time. 

• Be the person people want to work with. AI can code, but it can't build trust with your team.

• Go to all hiring fairs that you can and be BFF with the Career Center if you’re still in school. Many companies move fast to secure talent early and there's a real bias that the best talent gets chosen in Fall (also categorically, untrue). 

• Look for rotational and development programs. They're a safe bet and offer incredible skill and experience for the next role but make sure there is a formal process for placing you once the program is over. 

• Start building your reputation now. Not your resume. Know what makes you special. Ask your friends why they want to be friends with you (and we don't count those wild nights out).

After tons of Future of Work research for The Shift Show, here's what's actually going to matter:

• ✨ Adaptability (Pivoting quickly when work needs it and embracing change with a can-do attitude) and Resilience, can you bounce back from the unsuccessful interview?

• ✨ Communication (can you explain complex stuff simply? Gold. But don't forget active listening).

• ✨ Collaboration (Do people want to work with you? Remember all those "group projects"? They never end).

• ✨ Growth Mindset (People want to invest in that young graduate who is eager to learn and grow).

• ✨ Emotional Intelligence (Do you understand yours and others’ emotions to build stronger relationships?).

Look, almost every generation has a serious challenge where the world is ending when they graduate. 

Mine had the financial crisis and "the great recession". 

Yours has AI.

But you know what? You're not a statistic.

The young professionals who'll thrive? They're the ones building real skills, finding mentors who believe in them, and staying curious even when it's scary.

The world of work IS shifting fast. But that's exactly why we need fresh perspectives.

Early Career roles aren't going anywhere – they're our future.

Besides, someone has to manage the Bots one day, right?

Authentic Networking: How to Stay Relevant and Visible in a Digital-First World

From Business Cards to Byte-Sized Impressions

Remember when networking was all about coffee chats, happy hours, and exchanging business cards at events? It was personal, intuitive, and mostly analog. Fast forward to today: LinkedIn algorithms determine who sees your profile, AI tools scan your resume before a human does, and even your digital footprint can influence whether you land your next big opportunity.

But while the tools have changed, one thing hasn't: People still hire, recommend, and refer people they know, like, and trust. The difference now is that visibility and relevance live increasingly in the digital realm. If you're not showing up online, you're falling off the radar.

In this blog, we’ll break down what networking looks like in the age of AI, why it's more important than ever, and how to do it in a way that feels authentic, strategic, and sustainable. Spoiler alert: You don’t need to post every day or become a thought leader to make an impact—you just need to show up with intention.

1. Why Networking Still Matters (Even More Now)

AI can automate a lot of things—but it can't replace human relationships. In a world where more hiring processes are automated, networking becomes your greatest differentiator.

Hiring managers are overwhelmed with applicants, often using applicant tracking systems (ATS) or even AI tools to help narrow the pool. But referrals? Internal recommendations? Mutual connections who can vouch for you? Those still carry enormous weight.

In fact, according to Jobvite, referrals are still the #1 source of hire across industries, with referred candidates being hired faster, staying longer, and delivering better results. That kind of influence doesn’t come from a perfectly crafted resume alone—it comes from relationships.

Networking is also your best tool to stay visible in a time when change is constant. As AI and automation reshape industries, keeping in touch with your network gives you early warning signs of shifts, access to unposted roles, and support during transitions. In short: Your network is your career safety net.

2. The New Rules: How AI Is Changing the Game

Networking isn’t dead—but it has definitely gone digital. Here’s what’s different in the AI era:

• Algorithms prioritize relevance. LinkedIn and other platforms reward consistency, engagement, and keywords. If your profile is outdated or inactive, you might as well be invisible.

• Digital footprints speak louder than resumes. Recruiters and hiring managers are searching you before they reach out. They’re scanning for thought leadership, communication style, and social proof.

• Speed matters. Hiring cycles are faster and more tech-driven. The window to make an impression is smaller than ever.

  

This means your networking strategy needs to evolve. You can no longer rely solely on your in-person presence or resume. Instead, you need to cultivate a dynamic, visible, and AI-friendly professional presence.

3. Building Your AI-Ready Networking Toolkit

So how do you build a networking strategy that feels human but works in an algorithm-driven world? Here are the essentials:

a. Optimize Your LinkedIn (and Keep It Fresh)

Your LinkedIn profile isn’t just an online resume—it’s a living, breathing representation of your professional identity. To stay visible:

• Use a clear headline with keywords aligned to your career goals.

• Write a human-first summary that tells your story and shows personality.

• Regularly update your experience, skills, and certifications.

• Get (and give) recommendations.

AI tools crawl LinkedIn profiles for relevancy, so be intentional with your language. And don’t forget to add a good headshot and custom banner that aligns with your personal brand.

b. Create Strategic Content (Without Going Overboard)

You don’t need to go viral to be visible. Sharing thoughtful, relevant content just once or twice a week keeps you top-of-mind. Consider:

• Reflecting on a recent project or learning

• Sharing an article with your take on why it matters

• Asking your network a question that sparks conversation

• Celebrating someone else’s win

The goal is consistency and value—not perfection.

c. Use AI Tools to Support, Not Replace

You can use AI to:

• Draft content (then humanize it)

• Research contacts before reaching out

• Analyze your LinkedIn profile for optimization

• Get follow-up reminders with CRM tools or AI email assistants

But always keep the human touch. AI can support your networking—but it can’t be your networking.

d. Engage With Intent

Liking, commenting, or resharing someone’s post is digital networking. It's light-touch but high-value. Try to:

• Comment on 3 posts a week

• Send a message to reconnect with an old colleague

• Endorse someone’s skills or write a short recommendation

These micro-interactions add up and build rapport over time.

4. Staying Visible Without Burning Out or Feeling Fake

If the idea of constantly being “online” makes you cringe, you're not alone. Here’s how to show up in a way that aligns with your values and energy levels:

• Choose your cadence. Weekly is plenty. Even monthly is better than silence.

• Be yourself. Your authentic voice will resonate more than any polished template.

• Batch and schedule. Take 30 minutes once a week to engage, post, or comment. Then log off.

• Set boundaries. You don’t have to respond to every message right away. Prioritize meaningful connections over volume.

Networking in the AI age isn’t about being loud—it’s about being consistent, curious, and intentional.

5. Metrics That Matter (and Ones to Ignore)

If you’re measuring your success by follower count or likes, you’re missing the point. The metrics that really matter include:

• Number of meaningful conversations started

• Opportunities surfaced through your network

• Referrals or recommendations received

• Direct messages or outreach from people you respect

• How often you’re remembered for opportunities

Track progress by asking yourself: Am I staying visible to the right people? Am I creating value? Am I building trust?

Forget the vanity metrics. Focus on traction and trust.

6. The Human Edge: What AI Can’t Replace

Being visible isn’t just about being seen. It’s about being felt. The future of work will be shaped by those who pair digital fluency with human authenticity.

7. What to Do Next: A Weekly Networking Plan That Works

If you want to stay relevant without burnout, try this:

• Monday: Comment on 1 post from a colleague or thought leader

• Wednesday: Share a short insight, question, or resource on LinkedIn

• Friday: Send 1 personal check-in message to someone in your network

Optional: Block 30 minutes on your calendar for "networking" each week. Consider it professional maintenance. This small but mighty routine keeps you active, visible, and engaged in under 2 hours a week.

Conclusion: Networking is Evolving—So Can You

We’re living through the biggest workplace transformation since the Industrial Revolution. AI is changing how we work, how we learn, and yes—how we connect. But it’s also creating new opportunities to build influence, find community, and grow careers across digital platforms.

You don’t need to game the system. You don’t need to be a personal brand influencer. You just need to:

• Stay consistent

• Be intentional

• Add value

• Keep it human

In the end, relevance and visibility in the age of AI come down to this: Show up like the person someone would want to work with, refer, or learn from—and let the algorithms catch up.

Ready to Take Action?

• Download our "AI-Ready Networking Checklist"

• Share this with a friend who could use this information.

• Subscribe to our Newsletter for future-of-work career hacks

The world of work is shifting—let's shift with it, together.

10 Proven Ways to Build a Growth Mindset and Thrive in Uncertain Times

(AND...That Actually Stick)

Ever catch yourself thinking, “I’m just not good at this,” or “I’ll never be able to learn that”? Pause.

Rewind.

Let’s shift that story.

What if growth wasn’t about perfection—but about perspective?

In a world that’s changing faster than we can Google the next buzzword, having a growth mindset isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s your secret weapon. Whether you're navigating a career shift, wrangling AI tools, or managing burnout, your mindset shapes your trajectory.

So how do you build a growth mindset—beyond just posting a Brene Brown quote?

Here are 10 ways to build a growth mindset, let’s break it down:

1. Reframe Challenges as Opportunities

Obstacles aren’t stop signs—they’re detours to deeper learning. Next time something feels hard, ask: What am I learning right now?

2. Value Effort Over Talent

Nobody is born a pro. Olympians once fumbled on their first try too. Mastery is a result of commitment, not magic. Show up, again and again.

3. Embrace Feedback as Fuel

Feedback can sting, but it’s often the raw material of growth. When given with care (and received with curiosity), it’s a gift—an insight into your potential.

4. See Mistakes as Stepping Stones

Call it failing forward. Mistakes aren't verdicts—they’re data. Try reframing “failure” as simply part of the process.

5. Focus on the Journey, Not Just the Outcome

Transformation isn’t just about where you’re going—it’s about who you become on the way there. Track your progress and celebrate the micro-wins.

6. Watch Your Inner Narrative

Your mindset becomes your filter. “I’m not tech-savvy” becomes “I’m learning a new tool.” Small shifts in self-talk = massive impact.

7. Leave the Comfort Zone Regularly

Courage isn’t being fearless—it’s taking action in spite of fear. As Maya Angelou said, “Having courage and showing courage means we face our fears.”

8. Quit the Comparison Game

Everyone’s running their own race. Social media can distort reality, so tune into your own progress instead of playing highlight reel roulette.

9. Stay Curious, Stay Learning

We’re in a learning renaissance—podcasts, courses, YouTube, AI prompts. You don’t need permission or perfection to start.

10. Flexibility Is Strength

Being adaptable isn’t weak—it’s wise. Evolving your opinions, your habits, your career path? That’s not inconsistency, that’s growth.

Growth mindset isn’t just an attitude—it’s a skill set. Like anything, it improves with practice. And the good news? You don’t have to do it alone. My grandmother used to tell me, “You have only failed if you have given up. Until then, it's called learning.”

At The Shift Show, we believe in building sustainable growth—mindsets included. Want weekly inspiration and practical tools to future-proof your mindset (and your career)?

Subscribe to Shift Notes for insider insights, career strategies, and a whole-lotta “you got this.”

Let’s keep growing through this shift!