Master’s Grads Send 60 Job Applications Monthly Amid Hiring Challenges

The once-vaunted path of obtaining a college degree to secure a stable career is increasingly losing its promise, with graduates—especially those holding advanced degrees—struggling to find meaningful employment. According to data from Simplify, a job platform tracking 150 million applications from one million users, job-seekers are now applying to an average of 45 roles per month in May 2025, more than double the 22-month average from 2024 [1]. This surge in applications reflects a labor market in which even those with multiple degrees are failing to gain traction.

Master’s degree holders, in particular, are facing a disproportionately difficult job search, submitting an average of 32 to 60 applications each month. In contrast, bachelor’s degree holders typically apply to 15 to 38 roles. Computer science graduates, who once enjoyed a near-guarantee of six-figure salaries, are also struggling—submitting 22 to 51 applications monthly compared to 21 to 41 from non-computer science majors [1]. The growing presence of AI in the workplace has exacerbated the issue. AI is now capable of performing tasks previously done by mid-level engineers, reducing the demand for human labor in certain roles.

Compounding these challenges, the job market is rife with misleading practices. Around 81% of recruiters admit to posting “ghost jobs”—positions that either don’t exist or are already filled [1]. These ghost listings are often justified by companies as a way to maintain a presence on job boards or to build a talent pool. However, job-seekers report feeling disheartened by the lack of transparency. Over half of applicants say they have been “love bombed” during the hiring process—receiving excessive praise that does not translate into fair compensation or appropriate job titles [1].

The frustration is evident among young graduates. According to a 2025 Indeed survey, more than a third of recent graduates now consider their degrees a “waste of money.” A recent Kickresume report adds that about 58% of last year’s graduates are still jobless. Gen Z is especially impacted, with 51% expressing regret over their educational choices compared to 41% of millennials and 20% of baby boomers [1]. The struggle of this generation has contributed to a broader labor market shift, as their high unemployment rates begin to influence the overall jobless rate.

This evolving landscape suggests that the traditional American Dream—pursuing higher education as a ticket to financial stability—is no longer a guaranteed path. Instead, job-seekers are being forced to navigate an increasingly complex and often deceptive hiring environment, where even multiple degrees do not serve as a sufficient qualification for employment.

Source: [1] College used to open doors—now even grads with master’s degrees are sending 60 job applications a month to no luck (https://fortune.com/2025/08/08/college-degrees-unemployed-american-dream-graduates-gen-z-masters-struggling-to-land-careers-ai-job-hunting/)