Recruiter: I’ve placed over 1,000 people into jobs–here’s the no. 1 ‘closing technique’ to nail your interview
As the class of 2025 enters one of the most competitive job markets in recent years, formal degrees alone may not be enough to land a job. According to Sarah Skelton, co-founder and managing director of staffing firm Flourish, many employers are shifting toward skills- and experience-based hiring rather than focusing solely on academic credentials.
Recent data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shows that unemployment among recent graduates rose to 5.8% in March, up from 4.6% the previous year. At the same time, underemployment — where graduates work in roles that don’t require a degree — increased to 41.2%, up from 40.6%.
Skelton, who has placed over 1,000 graduates into jobs throughout her career, says the shift is driven by economic uncertainty, including fluctuating trade policies, hiring freezes, and rapid advancements in artificial intelligence.
### The Limitations of Relying on a Degree
A common mistake among new graduates, Skelton notes, is assuming their degree alone will guarantee them a job.
“There’s often an expectation: ‘I’ve been to university, I have this degree, so I should start at this level,’” she told CNBC Make It. “But companies are increasingly valuing candidates who are work-ready, can demonstrate relevant skills, and show genuine enthusiasm.”
She emphasized that while degrees remain important in fields like medicine or law, they carry less weight in areas such as business or sales, where hands-on experience and personal qualities like drive, coachability, and grit are more critical.
### Breaking the 'Experience Catch-22'
New graduates often face a classic dilemma: “You need experience to get experience.” To break through, Skelton advises job seekers to get creative and proactive:
- **Optimize LinkedIn:** Build a strong profile tailored to your target roles early in your career.
- **Get involved:** Participate in extracurricular activities like sports teams or volunteer work.
- **Seek out experience:** Internships, job shadowing, and even unpaid opportunities can help build a resume.
- **Network actively:** Attend industry events, find mentors, and ask for referrals.
- **Create your own path:** Start side projects or explore entrepreneurial ideas.
- **Deepen your knowledge:** Stay informed through industry podcasts, books, and news.
“Candidates need to think bigger and be more creative in how they present themselves,” Skelton said. “Show initiative and prove you’re genuinely interested in the company — not just any job.”
Reaching out directly to hiring managers on LinkedIn or offering to do unpaid work can also help candidates stand out and open doors.
### Mastering the Interview Close
Drawing from her background placing sales professionals, Skelton shared a powerful technique to use at the end of interviews:
> “Look, I’m really enthusiastic about this opportunity and would love to work with your team. Before we wrap up, could I ask: What’s been your impression of me so far? Is there anything you’d like me to clarify or improve upon?”
This closing strategy allows candidates to address concerns head-on and reinforce their interest in the role.
Following the interview, Skelton stresses the importance of sending a thank-you email to express appreciation and reiterate enthusiasm.
While formal education remains valuable, it’s no longer the sole gateway to employment. Employers are increasingly focused on skills, real-world experience, and personal attributes like resilience, adaptability, and motivation.
For the class of 2025, standing out means going beyond the degree — building practical experience, showcasing passion, and demonstrating initiative at every stage of the job search.