I get a lot of messages from new grads struggling to land a job.
The market is rough right now. But not every struggle is caused by the market.
Here’s how to figure out if you’re stuck because of the market or because you’re not a strong applicant.
Start by calculating your application-to-interview win rate.
It’s the clearest signal of whether your resume, experience, and targeting are working.
How to do it:
Take the number of screening calls or first-round interviews you’ve gotten.
Divide it by the total number of jobs you’ve applied to.
Example: 3 interviews from 50 apps = 6%.
Now use these benchmarks:
- 10%+ is strong
- 5–10% is average
- Below 5% is weak
The numbers tell you what employers think. If no one’s biting, something’s off.
If your win rate is weak, it likely means:
- You don’t have enough relevant work experience (internships, projects)
- You’re missing concrete or marketable skills
- Your resume isn’t making it past ATS filters
- You’re aiming too high without proof that you can do the job
You’ll need to build better proof, tighten your resume, or recalibrate what you’re going after (and your expectations).
If your win rate is decent but you’re not making it past interviews, your issue isn’t the resume, it’s how you’re showing up. That might mean:
- You’re not clearly communicating your story or value
- You’re not connecting your experience to the role
- You’re struggling with technical assessments or case questions
- You sound unsure, rehearsed, or all over the place
Figure out where the drop-off is. Then focus there.
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