In this episode, JoDee and Susan talk to Dr. Laurie Cure about the challenging landscape the Class of 2026 is facing as they enter the workforce.

Topics include:

• The statistics on the job market for new graduates
• College career counselors’ advice for graduates
• Why recent graduates are facing a disproportionately difficult job market
• How the decline of entry-level jobs and the rise of AI are reshaping early-career opportunities
• The “experience paradox,” where companies expect job-ready candidates but invest less in training
• How hiring trends are shifting toward more experienced workers, and what that means for Gen Z
• The psychological and cultural impact of prolonged job searches on early-career professionals

In this episode’s listener question, we’re asked for advice on mitigating the risk of hiring someone who lied on their resume or in their interview. In the news, the overall average job search in the US lasts 6.6 months.