Recent surveys reveal how new graduates in Canada and the United States perceive the challenge of entering the job market from 2021 through 2023. The findings show an ongoing trend in perceived difficulty, with average scores hovering in the mid-to-high range on a 10-point scale. The data points come from a broad study series that tracked job-search experiences across graduating cohorts and broader applicant pools, offering a window into the real-world hurdles new entrants face as they launch their careers. The numbers reflect not only market conditions but also evolving expectations among recent graduates as they navigate internships, first roles, and long-term career planning. For context, the figures cited here align with broader labor market analyses that emphasize the importance of practical experience, internship pipelines, and early career development programs for young jobseekers.
In 2023, graduates reported an average difficulty score of 6.9 for finding work, while those who graduated in 2022 and 2021 reported averages of 6.7 and 6.5 respectively. A broader snapshot earlier in 2024 showed that job seekers across ages remained challenged, with an overall average around 7.0 on the same scale. These numbers signal a steady mood among applicants: the job hunt remains doable but demanding, with many students and early-career professionals experiencing longer search times, tighter competition, and a need for sharper job-hunting strategies. Analysts note that shifts in sector demand, geographic factors, and entry-level wage expectations contribute to the persistent sense that landing a first job requires more effort than in years past.
The main hurdle repeatedly cited by new graduates is limited practical experience, a factor emphasized by a sizeable majority of respondents (around seven in ten). Other common constraints include modest entry salaries and a comparatively small pool of entry-level vacancies. A smaller share of respondents highlighted issues such as perceived bias in recruiting, gaps between academic training and workplace requirements, and inconsistent work opportunities that complicate the ability to balance education with employment. Respondents also pointed to the shortage of structured internship programs, rigid or incompatible work hours, distance from home, and the difficulty of combining work with ongoing studies as notable barriers. This constellation of factors underscores the ongoing need for employers to broaden internship access, provide realistic on-ramps to full-time roles, and design flexible schedules that accommodate learners who are transitioning into the workforce.
When comparing cohorts, there is a slight shift in the emphasis on experience. Earlier cohorts reported a higher share of concerns about lack of experience as a barrier, suggesting that as the labor market evolves, some graduates feel more capable of overcoming initial entry barriers. The trend observed across years indicates gradual improvement in perceived readiness, even as competition for entry-level positions remains stiff. The conversation around preparation continues to center on practical training, mentorship, and the value of hands-on learning opportunities that translate directly into workplace competence. Stakeholders are watching closely to see how education providers and employers can collaborate to close these gaps and speed up the transition from graduation to meaningful employment.
Beyond the numbers, the broader takeaway is clear: the job market for new graduates is navigable but requires proactive strategizing. Students are advised to seek internships early, tailor resumes to specific roles, build a portfolio of practical work, and cultivate networks that can lead to opportunities. Employers, in turn, benefit from expanding their early-career programs, offering transparent pathways to full-time roles, and creating inclusive hiring practices that recognize the value of fresh perspectives. The overall landscape remains dynamic, with ongoing analysis helping policymakers and industry leaders refine training, recruitment, and support mechanisms to reduce the time to first employment for graduates.
Note: This summary reflects longitudinal survey data on job-search experiences among graduates and job seekers, with attribution to the study series conducted by the organizing body. The purpose is to illuminate the factors that shape early-career job entry and to highlight opportunities for improvement in education-to-work transitions, rather than to pinpoint a single prescription for all markets.