82% of graduates are confident they will get a job

The class of 2024 is likely entering the job market this month as they rush to lock down a job after graduation. Will they find what they're looking for?

According to job search platform Monster, 82% of graduates are confident they will receive a job offer shortly after graduating, a drop of just 6% compared to 2023. That's not to say graduates aren't aware that the job market isn't nearly as friendly to employees as it was in 2021 and 2022. Monster also found that 77% of graduates are concerned about job security while they look for a new role. Given that U.S. employers cut over 90,000 jobs in March alone, this fear is not unfounded.

"It's helpful for job seekers to do their due diligence," says Vicki Salemi, career expert at Monster. "They need to question their vitality not only in the job they are pursuing but in the company as a whole."

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Salemi advises new job seekers to exercise caution and patience in their search. The job hunt could take six months or longer, and the right fit might not be the first offer a graduate receives. "Do not put a deadline or timeline on this. It's more important to be consistent and persistent in your search," says Salemi.

She notes that while the class of 2024 may feel confident they will find a job, there's an asterisk attached: They are confident in getting a job offer, but not the one they want. In fact, 52% of graduates believe they will not find a job at the company they prefer, while 62% say employers have more leverage in today's job market, according to Monster. And in a wave of return-to-office mandates and mass layoffs, graduates may strongly feel employers aren't as worried about attracting talent — but Salemi believes that's false.

"Although employers do have some leverage in recruiting, it's still a tight labor market," she says. "They're still eager to get new hires with the right skills and add them to their company."

Read more: Why a ban on non-competes will make recruitment easier

The importance of recruitment and retention for employers is even reflected in how the class of 2024 feels about benefits and flexibility. Notably, Monster found that 44% of graduates would turn down a job if they felt the salary and benefits weren't competitive, and around 60% would not work at a company that was fully remote or fully in-person. On top of that, 67% would not work for a company with opposing political views. For Salemi, it's clear graduates do value themselves despite the socioeconomic uncertainty that permeates the U.S. On the flip side, employers must work to meet expectations if they want to remain competitive. 

"These graduates were in college during the beginning of the pandemic, so, of course, there's an emphasis on mental health, safety and avoiding burnout," says Salemi. "And these graduates are digital natives — they're looking at a company's values and ethos through social media and word of mouth."

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The bottom line is that graduates do not want to be overworked and underpaid, and they have the tools to investigate and spot red flags in their potential employers. But that doesn't mean graduates aren't ready to put in the work to succeed in their careers. According to Monster, 95% of graduates are interested in learning or upskilling when applying to a position. In the age of emerging AI tech and digitized workplaces, the class of 2024 is prepared to evolve, which is an attitude employers likely need in their companies, notes Salemi. 

She encourages job seekers to know their worth and negotiate any offer that comes their way, whether for better compensation or benefits like PTO. The job hunt is ultimately not a race, and Salemi hopes graduates are mentally and financially able to take the time to kick their careers off right.

"Explore, apply, don't overthink it and enjoy the process," she says. "And while finding a job is a priority, hopefully, you will have a life outside of it."