Recruiter: I've placed over 1,000 people into jobs–here's the no. 1 'closing technique' to nail your interview

Get Ahead3 salary negotiation tips for new grads, from an expertLand the Job3 in-demand soft skills for entry-level jobsWork3 ways new grads can negotiate their salary, even in a tough job marketLand the Job2 expert-apved ways to imve your resume, based on your job WorkCareer expert: The No. 1 thing new grads waste time worrying The unemployment rate for recent graduates reached 5. 8% in March 2025, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Baona | E+ | Getty ImagesFormal degrees aren't cutting it anymore for some industries

Instead, many companies are prioritizing skills and experience-based hiring, Sarah Skelton, co-founder and managing director of staffing and recruiting firm Flourish, told CNBC Make It

The unemployment rate for recent graduates reached 5. 8% in March, up from 4. 6% a year earlier, according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Meanwhile, the of new graduates who are "underemployed" or working jobs that don't require their degrees, rose to 41. 2% in March, up from 40. 6% a year earlier

Employers are becoming more cautious amid global uncertainty fueled by on-again, off-again tariff policies, hiring freezes, and the liferation of artificial intelligence. 4:0404:04New grads face tough job market: Here's what to knowSquawk BoxIn this environment where it's difficult to get your foot in the door, one mistake that some recent graduates make is assuming that their degree will automatically get them a job. "I feel sometimes there's a certain perception that: 'I've been to uni, I've got this degree, I'm going to come in at this level,'" said Skelton, who said she's placed more than 1,000 graduates into jobs throughout her career. "Whereas somebody else that maybe left school, has been [employed], is work ready and can demonstrate skills and is a bit more hungry for it — some es are preferring that," she said

She added that it depends on the industry, of course

While degrees may be less of a consideration when hiring or sales roles, it'll be more significant for other industries medicine. 'You need experience to get experience'New graduates entering the job market commonly face a "Catch-22" situation where "you need experience to get experience. "To overcome these challenges, Skelton suggested getting creative by doing the ing:Maximize LinkedIn: Get on the social media platform early in your career journey and tailor your file to the jobs you are applying for

Find extracurricular activities: Join sports teams or volunteer for local charities

Be creative in gaining experience: Do internships or ask to shadow roles you are interested in

Build connections: Attend networking events, find mentors and ask for referrals

Create your own experience: Work on side jects or ideas in your free time

Build industry knowledge: Immerse yourself into industry-related, books and more. "I think you have to look at the bigger picture, and you've got to get a bit more creative with the applications to stand out," said Skelton. "Basically, be active and show you are keen. " es want to know that candidates want to work for them, not just that they are "desperate to get a job. "She said that reaching out directly to hiring managers on LinkedIn can show hunger and agency, which can help a candidate stand out

Offering unpaid work could also be a way to get your foot in the door. "[You can] run up to a actively and say: 'Can I come in and do some unpaid [work]

I know it's not glamorous

A bit demeaning, but fundamentally, you've got to set yourself apart from the others," she said

The 'close' in an interviewAs someone who has placed many salespeople into roles, Skelton suggested using this "closing nique" as a parting statement at the end of an interview:"Look, I'm really enthusiastic this opportunity

I'd really love the chance to work with you

Before we conclude, could I just ask: 'What have been your thoughts on me in the interview

Is there anything you could see that I could imve, or [do you have] any reservations. '" Saying this at the end of the interview gives the candidate a chance to address any of the interviewer's potential reservations. "[In] sales, it's known as a closing nique," said Skelton

Ing the interview, candidates should always remember to up with an thanking the interviewee for their time, she said

While formal degrees are still relevant, candidates shouldn't rely on them to land a job

Many es are prioritizing the experience, skills and characteristics of job seekers such as drive, coachability, work ethic, grit, potential and more, said Skelton

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