Recent college graduates are struggling more than ever to find entry-level work, as artificial intelligence and uncertainty about the impact of President Trump’s tariffs have dampened hiring. Here’s what you need to know about the challenging job market for new graduates:

The hiring freeze reality

Companies adopting wait-and-see mentality amid economic uncertainty:

The toughest market in decades

Entry-level job hunting reaches historic difficulty levels:

The underemployment crisis

Many graduates working below their qualifications:

The experience catch-22

Entry-level positions increasingly require extensive experience:

The AI automation impact

Artificial intelligence displacing entry-level workers:

The Trump administration response

White House defends economic policies amid hiring concerns:

The gender hiring divide

Men facing greater unemployment challenges than women:

The job search desperation

Graduates postponing searches or abandoning applications:

The economic uncertainty factor

Federal Reserve policy and tariff concerns delaying hiring decisions:

The alternative pathways

Trade schools and blue-collar work emerging as options:

The pessimistic outlook

Many graduates expect continued difficulties:

Read more:

• Recent college grads struggle to find jobs amid AI boom, Trump tariffs

This article is written with the assistance of generative artificial intelligence based solely on Washington Times original reporting and wire services. For more information, please read our AI policy or contact Ann Wog, Managing Editor for Digital, at awog@washingtontimes.com

The Washington Times AI Ethics Newsroom Committee can be reached at aispotlight@washingtontimes.com.