The struggle: The unemployment plight for new graduates.
Amidst high youth unemployment rates, increased competition, and industry changes, new graduates continue to face an intimidating job market.
Even just a few months after completing her Master of Arts in Economics from York University, Grace Oduro struggles to secure a job.
Oduro, a resident of North York, has applied for positions ranging from customer service to data analysis, but the outcomes remain disappointing. Despite her efforts, including submitting numerous applications and doing phone interviews, she continues to face rejection and hasn’t found a full-time role.
Statistics Canada’s June 2024 Labour Force Survey revealed that youth unemployment in Canada, specifically among those aged 15 to 24, reached some of its highest levels since September 2014 at 13.5 per cent in June 2024, excluding the pandemic period. December 2024’s report showed that the youth unemployment rate had climbed to 14.4 per cent, offsetting the cumulative decline seen in September and October. This spike reflects the ongoing difficulties faced by young job seekers like Oduro in securing full-time employment amidst a competitive market and shifting economic conditions.
Oduro anticipated that crafting numerous resumes, refreshing her wardrobe, and enhancing her social media presence would provide her with an edge in the job market. However, as an international student from Ghana restricted to working just 20 hours per week, she encounters significant challenges, including limited opportunities and resources.
“Unfortunately, about 85 to 90 per cent of my applications have been rejected and the common reasons include a lack of experience, other candidates being chosen, or simply not meeting what they’re looking for in terms of salary,” she said.
However, Oduro emphasized that she is passionate about education and remains motivated by her strong desire to share her knowledge with others.
According to a January 2024 RBC report, “Longer job searches for students and new graduates have been a larger factor behind a higher unemployment rate.” As job openings decrease, this trend will likely continue to challenge newcomers and recent graduates soon.
Oduro said she might explore free courses to strengthen her resume. While she hopes to remain in Canada, she is also considering opportunities in other provinces or abroad if she can’t find a job locally.
Unlocking opportunities: How Bilingual Source supports entry-level graduates
In today’s challenging job market, recent graduates encounter numerous obstacles, such as industry shifts and networking barriers. Via a video interview, Greg Benadiba, President and CEO at Bilingual Source, who has spent over 20 years helping thousands of new graduates launch their careers, shared insights on how graduates can improve their chances of landing a job.
Benadiba recognizes that the number of graduates has outpaced available job opportunities. However, he encourages graduates not to lose hope and instead advises them to work smarter and actively engage with local networks.
Benadiba also highlights the importance of networking. “An internal referral is much better than going at it cold on a job board,” he says. Platforms like LinkedIn are essential tools to enhance job prospects. The recruitment expert emphasizes the need for personalized applications, stating, “Quality will always trump quantity.” Instead of mass-applying on apps like LazyApply, he recommends tailoring resumes and cover letters to specific job opportunities to stand out from the crowd.
Moreover, Bilingual Source collaborates with institutions like Glendon University to create more openings for French-speaking graduates. Benadiba notes that his firm has a strong track record of success, helping thousands of raw graduates secure full-time jobs after months of searching.
The industry leader also guides newcomers to pursue Canadian accreditation that aligns with their previous studies, such as the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or Certified General Accountant (CGA) accreditations for accounting graduates. While obtaining these credentials, he encourages immigrants to accept any job, even entry-level positions, highlighting how customer service or sales experience can be invaluable. He even mentions Jeff Bezos as a prime example of how prioritizing customer service can lead to success.
Benadiba confirms that graduates tend to shy away from sales roles, believing they lack the skills. However, he emphasizes that even minimal sales experience can be advantageous across various fields, as it helps acclimatize individuals to Canadian culture, builds essential soft skills, and expands professional networks.
The President of Bilingual Source added that “64,000 new positions were created in Canada in September [and] 66,000 of those jobs were in the educational sector.” He also suggests looking for community events that celebrate specific cultures, as by connecting with local networks, graduates can uncover career paths.
Benadiba believes that graduates can find success in today’s tough economic challenges by staying proactive, building effective networks, and applying to opportunities strategically.
