How to Navigate the New Job Market for High School and College Students

What the latest hiring trends mean for students plus practical steps they can take today.

The job market is shifting again, and this time the pendulum has swung back toward more traditional recruiting practices. According to the Wall Street Journal, companies are narrowing their entry-level hiring to a small set of “core schools,” making campus access and strategic planning more important than ever.

As the article notes, “Everyone’s not starting from the same place if some people have access to on-campus engagement and some don’t.” And with diversity-driven recruiting declining sharply and virtual events disappearing, students who don’t attend these core campuses may feel left out.

But here’s the good news: students can still stand out no matter where they go to school if they approach their search strategically. Below are actionable tips for both high schools and college students navigating this new landscape.

Tips for High Schools Supporting Students Through the College Search

1. Help students understand how geography now matters more.

Companies are heavily recruiting from schools near their headquarters because fewer are offering relocation, and many Gen Z grads prefer not to move. Encourage students to consider colleges in regions aligned with their desired industries.

2. Emphasize career services quality, not just college prestige.

Look for schools with strong employer pipelines, internship placement, and alumni networks. As the WSJ article points out, many employers now recruit at only 15–30 schools, so career support is essential.

3. Teach students the power of networking early.

Even experts quoted in the article acknowledge that not attending a target school isn’t a dead end. As William Chichester III puts it bluntly, “If you fall outside of those two categories? ‘God help you.’” Then he immediately clarifies the path forward: Referrals. LinkedIn. Networking.

High schools can help students start building those skills before they get to college.

Tips for College Students Entering Today’s Tougher Market

1. Start career prep early, ideally freshman year.

Career centers report that companies are showing up on fewer campuses and expecting students to be more polished. Students should attend events, meet recruiters, and create a LinkedIn presence long before senior year.

2. Double down on in-person engagement.

Virtual fairs and nationwide recruiting have pulled back. Companies want face time. That means:

• Attending on-campus events

• Visiting employer-hosted local events

• Joining clubs tied to industries of interest

• Seeking alumni informational interviews

  
  

3. Create a résumé and portfolio that doesn’t look AI-generated.

Many companies report being flooded with ChatGPT-written résumés, one reason they’re filtering by school. Students must infuse their materials with authentic examples, metrics, and personal voice.

4. Become referral-focused.

Referrals are now one of the most reliable ways to bypass the “target school” filter. Students should actively reach out to:

• Alumni

• Professors

• Internship supervisors

• Family and community networks

One meaningful connection can open a door that a résumé cannot.

5. Look beyond the obvious employers.

Career advisors in the article recommend targeting industry top 100 lists, not just brand names. Smaller or lesser-known companies often have more accessible entry points—and sometimes more growth.

Final Thought: Students Have More Control Than They Realize

Even as companies shift their strategies, opportunities still exist for students who prepare early, build relationships, and take initiative. Prestige may matter again, but proactivity still matters more.

If you’re navigating college admissions and want to think strategically about long-term career outcomes, I’m happy to help you work through the process. Reach out here.