Paradox of Experienced-Freshers
After graduation, many of us, especially recent graduates, are eager to secure our dream jobs and change from being students to becoming independent, self-sufficient individuals. This journey can be challenging, as some students may have to pause or abandon their studies due to factors such as financial difficulties, emotional struggles, or physical challenges.
Once we’ve earned our diplomas and certificates, the next crucial step is job hunting — a process that can lead to a rewarding career. Finding a decent job, which many define as one that provides a reliable source of income for financial security and supports a desired lifestyle, is the ultimate goal. Fortunately, there are numerous opportunities available, and the skills and knowledge we’ve gained in school can be applied to various fields, including manufacturing, marketing, engineering, and sales.
A survey by Barnes and Noble Education shows that while 61% of students are confident about finding a job in their field, 66% worry about the pay. Nearly half (48%) expect to find a job within 2–6 months after graduating, though some think it could take longer. Within six months, 62% plan to work full-time, 27% part-time, and 22% expect to start a full-time internship. Additionally, 56% believe they’ll find a job in their desired field, but 24% are uncertain.
On the other side, job hunting can often feel like a competitive battlefield.
Experienced applicants, with their relevant backgrounds, naturally have a stronger chance of securing a job. In contrast, new and fresh candidates often find themselves in long lines, armed with little more than their resumes and CVs.
Just as every soldier needs the right weapon in battle, job seekers need to recognize and use their strengths. But in the tough job market, not everyone is in the role that suits them best. Some people who are natural helpers find themselves in high-pressure jobs, while others who are better at observing are pushed into action.
This is a reality of the job market as well; not all job seekers have qualifications that perfectly match the roles they’re pursuing.
This issue has been addressed in many countries and continues to be a problem. In 57 out of 108 countries, more than half of the workforce is working in jobs that don’t match their education level. A large part of this mismatch, 72%, is due to people not having enough education. As a result, millions of young people are unemployed or can’t find work because they don’t have the right skills for the available jobs. Many job seekers end up in positions that require fewer skills than they possess, often because they studied subjects that aren’t in high demand in the job market.
Aside from this, when you ask candidates about their college courses, you’ll find that some have qualifications perfectly suited for the job, while others do not. This reflects a common issue: fresh graduates often struggle to find jobs because companies tend to prioritize candidates whose qualifications align closely with their specific needs.
There are more issues that needs attention, particularly those faced by fresh graduates. It’s like the classic question, “What came first — the chicken or the egg?” This type of loop is known as the “paradox of experienced freshers.”
Based on my experience:
Honestly, I haven’t graduated yet because our group encountered difficulties with our project, which required a significant amount of work to complete. As I think about my graduation, a question suddenly came to mind: “What if I find a part-time job or gain some practical experience?”
In our country, passing a licensure exam is usually required for jobs in our field, so I began exploring part-time work. I searched platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, Upwork, and Fiverr for opportunities. It’s been tough because I have to make my resume for different roles like graphic design or online tutoring.
I often struggle with the “Work Experience and Certifications” section, as my credentials feel lacking. I tried finding free seminars online to boost my qualifications, but many require payment. Despite applying to many jobs, I keep getting stuck in a loop of notifications that make me rethink my approach.
Upon receiving such a message, I am encouraged to progress to the next stage of the selection process. As an applicant, my only course of action is to await further developments. After an extended period of waiting, the final response typically states, ‘Your application is great, but we are seeking candidates with more experience.’
The problem is that companies advertise positions as ‘[Position], No Experience/Fresh Graduates,’ yet during the hiring process, they prioritize applicants with prior experience.
The main point is, how are new graduates supposed to gain experience if companies are only willing to consider those who already have it?
