What It Actually Takes to Get a Job in Today’s Market, According to Gen Z

Struggling to find a job in 2025? You’re not alone. As AI cuts jobs, recession fears loom and businesses react by increasing layoffs, it’s clear that finding a job in today’s market isn’t just about being qualified and then applying. Now it’s all about strategy, visibility and, yes, even digital fluency. For the Gen Zers entering the AI-shaped workforce, the rules of job hunting have changed drastically. Now, understanding how to get a job in 2025 means knowing how to stand out both online and in real-life networks. 

How Gen Z is Job Hunting in 2025

Scroll on social media, and what do you find? Endless complaints of how hard it is to find a job in today’s economy. And this isn’t coming from lazy people, it’s coming from go-getters who have applied to hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs and haven’t heard back. According to a survey we conducted with our Youthtellers (ages 15-27), 72% of them have searched for a job in the past year and 18% are actively searching. 

For most (63%) the search begins on Linkedin, after that, young people are combing through ads on Indeed (56%), relying on group chats and family friends (24%) and 15% are even using social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to find opportunities. 

But no matter how many ways in which Gen Z is attempting to find a job the ‘old school way’ it isn’t working anymore. AI is fielding resumes instead of actual people, and while reaching out to your own personal network has the highest success rate, so many people are after just one job that the odds aren’t really in…anyone’s favor. 

What Doesn’t Work Anymore

Much of what older generations consider good career advice doesn’t work anymore. As one 24 Y/O Youthteller from New Jersey said, “walking into a place and handing in your application doesn’t help. Follow-up emails don’t mean a thing, and writing your own cover letter is just a waste of time. Now everything is automated.” 

They aren’t wrong. This quote echoes the feeling of those posting online, no matter how much you do now, it never feels like enough. And many are finding that getting a job in 2025 is less about doing everything, and more about having visible proof of work and then endlessly praying to the god of your choice. 

What Gen Z Wants From the Job Search

So we’ve set the stage, you get where Gen Z is coming from, but if you want to hire someone from this generation…what can you do to help? For many, it is actually going back to the old school ways. 

So, yes, that means maybe ignoring cost efficiency and having a human screen resumes instead of AI (something 22% of our Youthtellers begged for). 19% also said they want salary transparency and realistic job requirements. Because, honestly, why are you posting something as entry level but then asking for 5+ years of experience? And if you’re a job posting site reading this…do Gen Z a favor and have better filtering systems so they’re not wasting their time on mismatched job listings. 

What Actually Works? 

We already touched on it, but let’s talk about what Gen Z claims is working…at least for some. 

Many cited boosting their personal connections and getting to know more people in their area as the easiest way to get a job in 2025. In fact, 24% said they landed jobs through casual conversations or even unexpected networking moments. 7% also mentioned the power of cold emailing companies they’d like to work at as the ultimate way to land a job. 

So, if you’re figuring out how to get a job in 2025, know that it’s possible, just harder. Put a pause on blasting resumes, and instead focus on curating your job skills, nurture your relationships and make sure you are keeping up with cultural and digital shifts.

FAQ

What’s the biggest mistake people make when job searching in 2025? - Treating it like a numbers game. Gen Z believes quality and visibility beat volume.

What platforms matter most for marketing jobs in 2025? - LinkedIn, Indeed, and increasingly TikTok for creative industries.

How can brands attract Gen Z job seekers? - By prioritizing transparency, humanity, and flexibility over automation.

Is networking still the most important skill? - Yes,  22% of respondents said personal connections led to their job offers, proving that relationships still drive opportunity.