Back to BlogCareer Advice

Entry-Level Jobs Dropped 29%: What Gen Z Must Do to Survive 2026

CVCraft Team
December 23, 2025
11 min read
Young professional reviewing resume and job applications
Share:

Key Takeaways

  • 1Entry-level job postings fell 29% since January 2024
  • 233% of 2025 graduates unemployed and actively seeking work
  • 3Only 30% of 2025 grads found jobs in their field
  • 476% of employers hiring same or fewer entry-level workers

Entry-Level Jobs Dropped 29%: What Gen Z Must Do to Survive 2026

Dear Class of 2025: Nobody told you the truth. So here it is.

Entry-level job postings have dropped 29% since January 2024.

The Numbers That Define Gen Z's Crisis

  • 29%: Decline in entry-level postings since January 2024

  • 33%: 2025 graduates unemployed and actively seeking work

  • 30%: 2025 graduates who actually found jobs in their field

  • 9.7%: Unemployment rate for recent grads (same as non-college workers)


Why Entry-Level Jobs Are Disappearing

1. AI Took the Junior Work


Research, basic coding, content drafting — AI handles all of this now.

2. Companies Stopped Training


When budgets are tight, investment in junior development doesn't make financial sense.

Survival Strategies

  • Get Experience Any Way You Can: Freelance, volunteer, personal projects

  • Learn AI Tools — Now: Add AI skills to your resume

  • Network Like Your Career Depends on It: Referrals bypass the ATS
  • Read more about entry-level job strategies.

    Use CVCraft to build an ATS-optimized resume that gives you every possible advantage.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why are there fewer entry-level jobs in 2025?

    AI tools can now handle many tasks previously assigned to juniors, companies over-hired during 2021-2022, and employers are cautious during economic uncertainty.

    What percentage of 2025 graduates found jobs?

    Only 30% of 2025 graduates found jobs in their field. 33% are unemployed and actively seeking work.

    Is a college degree still worth it in 2025?

    The unemployment rate for recent college grads (9.7%) now equals the rate for those with only high school diplomas. Supplement your degree with skills and experience.

    Ready to Optimize Your Resume?

    Check your ATS score in 60 seconds and get personalized suggestions to improve your resume. Only $4.99 for lifetime access (96% OFF).

    Try CVCraft Free

    Related Articles

    Person reviewing resume documents on desk with laptop
    ATS Basics
    8 min read

    What is ATS and Why 75% of Resumes Get Rejected Before Human Eyes See Them

    Learn why most resumes never reach human recruiters and how to optimize yours to pass ATS screening systems.

    Read More
    Laptop on wooden desk with coffee and notebook for resume writing
    Resume Formatting
    9 min read

    ATS-Friendly Resume Format: The Complete 2025 Guide

    Complete guide to formatting your resume for ATS compatibility. Learn what works, what doesn't, and how to structure every section.

    Read More
    Professional reviewing job applications and documents at desk
    Job Search Tips
    10 min read

    Why You're Not Getting Interview Callbacks (And How to Fix It)

    Struggling with no interview responses? Learn the common mistakes killing your chances and exactly how to fix them.

    Read More

    Stay Updated

    Get the latest career tips and job search strategies delivered to your inbox.

    No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.