3 job search tips for college grads

By Vicki Salemi, career expert at Monster.com

If you recently tossed your graduation cap in the year after years of hard work, dedication and late night study sessions, this article celebrates you–congratulations on your huge achievement!

Let’s take a moment to shine  a spotlight on job security. According to Monster’s 2026 State of the Graduate Report, 67 percent of college grads would trade pay for job security. While respondents indicated that salary is still a top factor when evaluating job offers, job security is now  in second place at 52 percent, followed by career growth. 

Landing your dream job is evolving to include security, and college grads also have concerns about A, so here’s a dive into three tips based on topics that may be on your radar.

Prioritize job security

Considering your priorities for job security, it makes sense: you don’t want to be the last one in (to be hired), first one out (to be let go). During your job search, research companies to see if they have had recent layoffs and/or potential acquisitions or mergers. Evaluate the company’s stability, financial health and growth, career opportunities and sustainability. Ask why the role is opened, where they see the department going and growing in two years? Five years? 

When I worked in recruiting I wanted candidates to ask these types of questions; don’t feel like you’re being too inquisitive or rocking the boat. Trust me: you aren’t. You’re doing your due diligence. Prepare your questions ahead of time, refer to them during the interview, and feel free to jot down notes in real time! You’re interviewing the employer just as much as they’re interviewing you.

Embrace AI

According to the report, 89 percent of grads worry that AI could replace entry-level roles. This is a significant increase compared to 64 percent from last year! This is going to sound counterintuitive, but hear me out: instead of avoiding AI, embrace it.

Monster’s 2026 Graduate AI Readiness Report revealed that only 36 percent of respondents said that college prepared them to use AI in the workplace. Even if you’re among this camp who feels unprepared, 69 percent of participants said they believe knowing how to use AI will give them an advantage over other candidates. Take this information as fuel even amidst anxiety (58 percent said they feel anxious about using AI tools in future roles).

Build and hone your digital skills and highlight them on your resume. Figure out how to work alongside automation tools, consider it like having an assistant nearby, and highlight your adaptability and versatility in your resume and on job interviews. Overall, employers are interested in candidates who don’t shy away from technology, but instead, who are proficient in embracing technology.

Be patient and persistent

Here’s the thing about job searches: They won’t ever seem fast enough and as digital natives, you may expect to apply, interview, land an offer, and start within two weeks. Not so fast–it takes time and currently, job search timelines may be longer than expected. That’s entirely okay.

According to the State of the Graduate Report, 79 percent believe they’ll land a job within three months whereas more than one third (35 percent) expect their job search to take four months or longer.  

During your search, set up job alerts so opportunities land in your in-box. Strive to apply within the first 24 hours of seeing the role; don’t talk yourself out of it! You can always withdraw your candidacy if you see red flags during the interview, but at least give yourself the opportunity to pursue them. A delay doesn’t mean you won’t secure employment, and delays can vary by industry. Plus, we’re heading into summer which means lighter schedules and some scheduling challenges to coordinate calendars. Set aside time on your calendar to apply, network, revise your resume, and more.

Be persistent and consistent, and pick up a side hustle or two to keep your skills sharp while also enjoying the summer. You got this!