Recent college graduates are facing a challenging entry-level job market, prompting a shift in job-seeking behavior toward flexible and temporary work, according to a survey by Indeed Flex. With AI reducing entry-level opportunities, graduates are prioritizing financial security and upskilling to stay competitive.
59% of recent grads find entry-level job search very challenging.
79% believe AI is reducing entry-level job opportunities.
49% prioritize financial security over dream jobs.
46% consider temporary or flexible work due to AI concerns.
54% lack AI training; 22% self-teach AI skills.
Indeed Flex survey of 1,195 grads conducted on Aug. 8, 2025.
A survey of 1,195 recent college graduates by Indeed Flex reveals that 59% struggle to secure full-time, entry-level jobs, with only 9% finding the process easy. Lack of experience (25%) and high competition (24%) are the top barriers. Additionally, 79% of respondents believe AI is shrinking entry-level job opportunities, exacerbating these challenges. This contracting job market is pushing graduates to rethink their career strategies.
To navigate the saturated market, graduates are prioritizing financial security, with 49% open to any well-paying job. Concern over AI’s impact has led 46% to explore temporary or flexible roles, including 20% seeking remote or freelancing positions, 17% pursuing temporary or seasonal work, and 13% focusing on gig or contract-based jobs. “We empathize with the challenges recent grads are facing in this tight job market,” said Novo Constare, CEO and Co-founder of Indeed Flex. “At the moment, temporary work is helping people make ends meet and also gives them flexibility to navigate their difficult job search.”
While graduates recognize AI’s growing influence, 54% report no formal training in AI-related tools or skills. However, 22% have taken initiative to self-teach AI expertise, reflecting a proactive approach to staying relevant in an AI-driven job market. This highlights a critical need for accessible AI upskilling programs to prepare graduates for evolving workforce demands.
The survey, conducted on August 8, 2025, included graduates from the US and UK, with 87% having graduated within the last two years. The findings underscore how AI and market dynamics are reshaping job-seeking behaviors, pushing graduates toward flexible work arrangements and self-directed learning to remain competitive.
Indeed Flex’s insights reveal a pivotal shift in how recent graduates approach employment, emphasizing adaptability and practical solutions to secure income and build skills in a challenging, AI-influenced job market.
Indeed Flex is transforming temporary staffing through a simple yet powerful approach. By empowering job seekers with ownership, control, and choice over where, when, and how they work, the platform delivers an engaged, high-quality, and reliable workforce for businesses. With a fully integrated Vendor Management System (VMS) and workforce management tools, businesses gain full visibility and control over staffing, optimizing costs, improving efficiency, and boosting productivity.
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