Artificial intelligence is significantly altering the hiring landscape, particularly for college students and recent graduates who are finding it harder to land interviews. Michela DiLorenzo, a student at Seton Hall, noted that many of her peers are reconsidering their post-graduation plans due to the uncertain job market, with some opting for summer jobs instead of immediate graduate studies.
The unemployment rate for college graduates aged 22 to 27 was reported at 5.7% as of June 2026, which is notably higher than the national average. Additionally, underemployment among college graduates has surged to 42%.
As employers increasingly utilize AI for screening applications—66% of recruiters planned to enhance their AI use in 2026—students are compelled to adapt their resumes and job search strategies accordingly.
Handshake, a platform for early-career job seekers, found that graduating seniors in 2026 are mentioning AI skills on their resumes at double the rate of the class of 2022, with a focus on real-world applications. However, there is a disconnect, as many students express skepticism about the relevance of AI skills in their careers.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers reported that 28% of employers are seeking candidates with AI capabilities, yet a significant portion of students are not prioritizing these skills. The overall sentiment among students is one of frustration, as they navigate a job market that increasingly relies on automated systems, often feeling overlooked in the process.
Evan Sohn, CEO of Revelio Labs, highlighted that while companies adopting AI are hiring more rapidly, they tend to focus on senior roles, leaving entry-level candidates struggling to gain visibility. Job seekers are encouraged to embrace AI proactively to enhance their employability in this evolving landscape