Landing a first job these days is more difficult—and in some industries more competitive—than it has been in years for recent graduates.

Postings for entry-level jobs are down across many sectors, unemployment for new college graduates is rising, and the tasks that once served as a stepping stone into the workforce—like administrative work and basic coding—are increasingly being replaced by AI.

While the traditional entry-level playbook may be changing for young professionals, that doesn’t mean opportunities have disappeared altogether. In fact, data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers shows that hiring demand for the class of 2026 is up 5.6% compared to 2025, but growth is uneven across sectors and employer types.

For graduates looking to stand out, regardless of their industry, here are a few things experts say you should do:

Network strategically: Doreen Coles, senior director of career growth and development at ADP, urges graduates to make thoughtful connections, even before applying to a job, to authentically show they are trying to learn and gain knowledge.

Turn college experiences into “real” experiences: Coles encourages graduates to reflect back on their time in school and highlight any transferable activities or tasks that are applicable to the role they’re applying for.

Specify your impact: Priya Rathod, workplace expert at Indeed, says graduates should steer clear........

© Forbes