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Let’s be real: the 2025 job market is no joke. Entry-level roles are asking for years of experience, internships are ultra-competitive, and ghosting is basically the norm. But that doesn’t mean your career journey has to stall.
- Nearly 1 in 3 recent grads say their degree wasn’t worth it.
- 1 in 5 young people aren’t in school or working at all right now.
- And a ton of “entry-level” roles are vanishing, especially in tech and finance. (Thank you, AI!)
But here’s the good news: companies are still hiring. You just have to rethink what “experience” looks like. Spoiler: it’s not just about your GPA or having the “right” internship anymore.
The Job Market Is Wild—Here’s How to Still Win
We hosted a live conversation with Natalie Breece, Chief People & Diversity Officer at ThredUp, to talk about how Gen Z can navigate today’s career chaos—and still come out ahead.
Whether you’re just starting out or trying to break through the noise, here’s what you need to know.
Top Three Tips on How to Get Hired in 2025 from a Chief People Officer
1. Reframe How You Think About “Career Experience”
Most students feel stuck because they think they need a perfect resume to land a role. Natalie flipped that idea:
“Companies are still hiring—you just need to expand your definition of experience.”
📌 Don’t wait for a traditional internship. Build a resume-ready portfolio through real projects.
👉 Explore externships with Extern
She emphasized in-demand skills like adaptability, curiosity, and AI literacy. Gen Z already has an edge here—you just have to show it.
2. Want to Stand Out? Get Personal (and Skip the Templates)
Natalie dropped a truth bomb: most outreach messages fall flat because they’re too generic. Recruiters can spot an AI-written DM from a mile away.
Here’s how to do it right:
- Reference something specific about their company
- Share what genuinely interests you about their work
- Keep it short, clear, and real
🎯 Pro Tip: If you're reaching out for an informational interview, say why—and make it personal. It goes a long way.
3. Build Relationships Before You Apply
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Informational interviews aren’t just a buzzword. They helped Natalie discover HR—and they can help you explore new paths and grow your confidence.
> “A student once cold messaged our CEO about how much they loved ThredUp. That authenticity got them hired.”
No connections? No problem. Use LinkedIn, be bold (but kind), and lead with curiosity.
Top Questions From College Students on How to Get Hired in 2025
We got real questions from real students. Here’s a snapshot of Natalie’s advice:
Q: Should I worry if a recruiter views my resume but doesn’t reply?
A: Nope. It’s more about timing and the company’s process. Still, follow up politely.
Q: What are common intern mistakes?
A: Not asking enough questions—and being too picky too soon.
Q: Where should I list AI projects on my resume?
A: Tailor it to the job. Use specific, impact-driven bullet points.
Q: Does your school matter for hiring?**
A: Only in a few niche areas. Most hiring managers care more about initiative and passion.
Takeaways from a C-Suite Exec
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Natalie’s top three career tips for students:
1. Your major doesn’t define you. Cast a wider net.
2. Use AI, but wisely.Tools like ChatGPT are helpful—but they shouldn’t write your resume.
3. Lead with curiosity. Passion stands out more than perfection.
Ready to Build Experience (Even Without a Job)?
The job market might be really tough right now, but it’s not hopeless. You don’t need a fancy title or a big-name company on your resume to start building a career that’s actually exciting.
You do need three things:
✨ Curiosity — ask questions, try stuff, explore what makes you actually excited.
💼 Real projects — even if they’re unpaid or outside your major, they show initiative.
🤝 Relationships — seriously, most opportunities come from people, not job boards.
Whether you're applying, networking, or figuring it out as you go, the boldest thing you can do is start. Even one externship, one coffee chat, or one DM to someone you admire can unlock your next move. Ready to get going? Check out our guide on how to write your first resume (+ our free downloadable template), and hit send!
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