How to Land a Job in 2025 (Even in a Messy Market) - According to a Chief People Officer

The Job Market Is Wild—Here’s How to Still Win

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.

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.

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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

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She emphasized in-demand skills like adaptability, curiosity, and AI literacy. Gen Z already has an edge here—you just have to show it.

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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

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🎯 Pro Tip: If you're reaching out for an informational interview, say why—and make it personal. It goes a long way.

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 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.

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 AI Projects, Coffee Chats & Career Advice: Q&A Highlights

We got real questions from real students. Here’s a snapshot of Natalie’s advice:

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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.

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Q: What are common intern mistakes?

A: Not asking enough questions—and being too picky too soon.

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Q: Where should I list AI projects on my resume?

A: Tailor it to the job. Use specific, impact-driven bullet points.

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Q: Does your school matter for hiring?**  

A: Only in a few niche areas. Most hiring managers care more about initiative and passion.

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Takeaways from a C-Suite Exec

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Natalie’s top three career tips for students:

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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.

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 Ready to Build Experience (Even Without a Job)?

You don’t need to wait for your “big break.” You can start building real experience today.  

Whether you’re exploring career options or going all in on your dream role, there’s a path forward.

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 👣 Next Steps

‍📌 Want to get work experience without a job? Explore externships

💬 No resume yet? Join Extern for career support

🎯 Your future starts with one bold step. Apply now