Reduction in job openings for newcomers, yet prosperous prospects persist in these professions
In the current job market, new graduates in Germany are facing a more demanding environment, according to a study by Stepstone, a leading job platform. The analysis of over 4 million job ads on Stepstone.de from January 2020 to April 2025 reveals several key challenges for new graduates.
Firstly, the number of entry-level job postings has decreased significantly. Traditional office roles have seen a 45% reduction in available positions, while jobs requiring direct interaction with people, such as education and craftsmanship, have increased. This shift in industries is a trend that continues to grow, moving away from classic administrative or data-related jobs and towards jobs with direct human contact.
The study also highlights longer and more demanding application processes. New graduates are finding it harder to navigate these extended processes, requiring patience and persistence. Additionally, the competition is fierce, with university graduates sending many more applications compared to those with vocational training.
The overall economic weakness, combined with a persistent shortage of skilled workers, creates a complex market. Despite fewer openings, the demand for qualified young talent remains high. Demographic changes mean the labor market will tighten further, increasing future competition but also emphasizing the advantage of investing in young talent now.
Negative candidate experiences during hiring are another challenge. According to the study, 53% of candidates report dissatisfaction, and 52% decline offers due to poor recruitment processes. Long delays in scheduling interviews also contribute to frustration for new job seekers, with about 49% of candidates reportedly dropping out of recruitment processes due to these inefficiencies.
The situation suggests that new graduates must be prepared for a more demanding job search environment. This may place additional value on vocational training paths and persistence through increasingly lengthy application timelines. Feedback on applications is still a problem, with 74% of graduates and 61% of vocational trainees reporting not receiving any feedback.
Despite these challenges, the current job market is more challenging for young people than it was two to three years ago, according to Tobias Zimmermann, labor market expert at The Stepstone Group. The number of entry-level positions for new graduates is currently 45% below the average of the past five years. Graduates receive only three to four invitations to an interview on average, compared to vocational trainees who need to send around 26 applications to be invited for an interview.
However, there is a silver lining. The crafts sector has seen a 52 percent increase in entry-level positions, and the education sector has seen an impressive 96 percent increase. This shift towards jobs with direct human contact offers opportunities for new graduates who are willing to adapt, be patient, and strategize in their job search.
In conclusion, the job market is more competitive and demanding for new graduates, but opportunities still exist. Persistence, adaptability, and strategic approaches are key to navigating this challenging environment.
[1] Stepstone, "Hiring Efficiency" (2025) [2] Stepstone, "Recruitment Processes and Candidate Experiences" (2025)
What aspects of education and self-development could be beneficial for new graduates in this competitive job market? Career development and skills training might help them stand out during job-search proceedings. Additionally, understanding the intricacies of extended and demanding application processes could significantly improve their chances, as well as being prepared for persistence and adaptability in strategy. [1] [2]
