What Every New Graduate Needs To Hear In 2026

Why does it feel harder than ever to land a job after graduation?
In this episode of The Work Hotline, Sho Dewan (@workhap) breaks
down why recent grads are facing the highest unemployment rate in
about a decade, with over 41% underemployed in jobs that don’t even
require their degree. The truth is, the ladder didn’t disappear, it
broke. Companies aren’t cutting jobs, they’re just hiring more
experienced people and leaving entry-level roles flat. So Sho
shares 3 things every new grad can actually control right now:
building proof of work instead of just another resume, ditching the
“apply to everything” approach for a more strategic search, and
letting go of the pressure to find the “perfect” first job. Plus,
he answers real calls from listeners feeling behind, overwhelmed,
and unsure if they’re failing or just new: “Am I actually behind,
or does it just feel that way?” Remember that your first job isn’t
proof of your worth. It’s just the entry point. Subscribe to
Workhap: www.youtube.com/workhap Pre-order Sho’s Get Hired book:
www.workhap.com/book Want to be featured in our next episode? Leave
a voice note: +1 (701) 888 9178 or em Fuel your success with
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