Staff Reporter
When Jeanina Banks graduated from Temple University with a degree in business administration this May, she expected job offers to come her way. Instead, after sending hundreds of applications since April, responses have been scarce.
“I thought opportunities would be rushing in after graduation, but that hasn’t happened,” Banks said. The entry-level positions she found on Handshake, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter mostly involved door-to-door sales, outdoor work, or cold-calling — roles she says are open to anyone without specialized skills.
For other graduates, the struggle is similar. Eryn Waters, a Temple finance graduate, started applying six months before commencement. Out of 250 applications, she heard back from 50 and landed two offers. She now works as a tax associate in Baltimore.
“It’s like an online dating profile,” Waters said. “You want them to swipe right.”
Experts warn that Banks’ and Waters’ experiences highlight broader economic issues affecting Gen Z — those born between 1997 and 2012 — as they enter a job market defined by low-paying roles, rising living costs, and limited opportunities in major U.S. cities.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
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Gen Z unemployment is high, with applicants facing scarce opportunities and low wages.
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Black graduates in Philadelphia face unemployment rates more than double those of white applicants.
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AI-driven job cuts, tariffs, and DEI rollbacks are worsening job insecurity.
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1 in 4 hiring managers believe Gen Z graduates are not workforce-ready.
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Pandemic isolation hurt social and networking skills critical for career success.
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Experts stress networking, tailored resumes, and skills training for competitive advantage.
Racial Disparities and Structural Barriers
Though recent data on Black Gen Z unemployment in Philadelphia is unavailable, reports show Black residents are unemployed at more than twice the rate of white residents. Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicates Gen Z workers aged 16–19 were over four times more likely to be unemployed in June 2025 than those over 25.
Experts attribute this to tariffs, economic uncertainty, and rapid AI adoption, which eliminates office roles and reduces company costs. “Hiring is slowing because companies are cautious, and workers aren’t leaving jobs, limiting openings,” said Adam Goldman, executive director of the Philadelphia Unemployment Project.
Rollbacks of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs have also created additional barriers. “I applied to graduate programs, but I feel like my applications were rejected because of the race question,” Banks said.
Bias and Negative Perceptions
Hiring bias is another hurdle. According to Intelligent.com, 1 in 4 hiring managers believe Gen Z graduates are unprepared for the workforce. Among them, 33% cite lack of work ethic, 29% sense of entitlement, 28% low motivation, and 20% poor communication skills.
These findings mirror the struggles millennials faced a decade ago, but Gen Z faces unique disadvantages due to the pandemic. In 2020, when unemployment peaked at 14.8%, most Gen Zers were in school under remote learning, which experts say weakened interpersonal and networking skills.
“Gen Z prefers flexibility post-COVID, but that limits in-person networking and social capital,” said Michael Robinson, Temple University’s director of community outreach.
Standing Out in a Crowded Job Market
Experts stress strong resumes, cover letters, and networking as key to success. “Most resumes don’t show half of what candidates can do,” said Myra Brown, CEO of NWON Opportunities, a workforce training network.
Programs like Philadelphia’s Future Track, run by NWON and Mayor Cherelle Parker’s office, provide unemployed youth with paid job experience in public service. Robinson suggests emphasizing relevant experience, minimizing unrelated roles, and developing skills in education, medicine, hospitality, and construction — sectors driving Philadelphia’s economy.
Trade programs and technical education also offer pathways for those skipping college. The School District of Philadelphia’s Career and Technical Education programs connect students with careers in business, construction, and culinary fields.
Despite setbacks, Banks remains hopeful. “In 2025, a bachelor’s is like a high school diploma. You need a master’s to stand out,” she said.
The job market for Gen Z graduates is increasingly competitive and unpredictable, shaped by economic uncertainty, AI-driven automation, and structural inequalities. For many, securing a position requires more than just a degree — it demands strong networking, tailored applications, and ongoing skill development. While programs and initiatives offer support, experts agree that adaptability and persistence will define success in this evolving labor landscape. For graduates like Banks, the hope remains that resilience and continuous learning will turn challenges into opportunities in the years ahead.
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