The job market is cooling for new grads

Companies are scaling back hiring due to economic policy concerns.

The following article appeared in the May 7, 2025, edition of The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with smart and original local news for Charlotte. We offer free and paid subscription plans. More info here.

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Amid economic uncertainty and a cooling economy, many new college graduates are struggling to land full-time roles as companies scale back hiring

The labor market for new grads “deteriorated noticeably” in the first quarter of 2025, according to a recent report. (Shutterstock photo)

by Lindsey Banks

Over the past few months, UNC Chapel Hill senior Jillian Aganad has applied to more than 50 jobs in marketing and public relations. So far, she’s landed only two or three interviews — and no offers.

Aganad, who is from the Charlotte area and hopes to find a job in Charlotte, graduates from UNC on Saturday. She says most of her friends are in the same position: a degree almost in hand, but no job offer.

“I’m obviously concerned,” she said. “I would love to graduate and have that job signed by the end of June, but realistically, I’ll start actually having real panic attacks in July or August if I still don’t have anything. But it weighs on my shoulder every day.”

It’s a common situation among recent graduates. Hiring for new grads is cooling off in 2025, according to national statistics and Duke University professor and economist Connel Fullenkamp, with employers pulling back amid economic uncertainty.