Confidence among New Zealand tertiary students about finding work after graduation has slumped to a record low of 14 percent, according to Talent Solutions’ Student Pulse survey data. The 11-year survey, which gathered responses from 1,338 tertiary students nationwide, indicates that weak economic sentiment and a tightening job market are forcing graduates to cast a wider net for employment, look overseas, and rely heavily on artificial intelligence to secure work.
Student Confidence Slumps Amid Tightening Job Market
Just 14 percent of surveyed students stated they felt very confident about securing a job after completing their studies. According to Talent Solutions director Seren Wilson, speaking at the BNZ Business Breakfast, this slump represents the lowest result in the survey’s 11-year history. Wilson noted that student sentiment directly mirrors broader economic perceptions and the current state of the national job market. When faced with increased competition and fewer vacancies, students respond by applying to a larger volume of positions, frequently expanding their searches outside their specific fields of study and targeting a broader range of employers.
The Rise of AI in Graduate Hiring and Applications
The surge in application volumes has created distinct challenges for employers, many of whom are dealing with a flood of resumes polished using artificial intelligence tools. Wilson explained that businesses are responding by implementing rigorous screening methods, including psychometric testing, video interviewing, and assessment centres, to determine which candidates possess the practical capability to do the job. At the same time, students are utilizing AI to draft CVs and prepare for job interviews. Despite the automation on both sides of the hiring process, survey findings show that students still prefer human decision-makers to make the final hiring call.
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Did you know?
According to the Talent Solutions Student Pulse survey, only 14% of tertiary students feel very confident about finding post-graduation employment—the lowest level recorded in the survey’s 11-year history.
Internships and the Threat of Brain Drain
To bridge the gap between education and employment, Wilson emphasized the critical value of early talent programmes. Internships offer a practical solution, allowing students desperate for real-world experience to demonstrate their capabilities directly to employers. However, a more pressing concern for the domestic labor market is the growing trend of graduates looking overseas. Wilson warned that the state of the local job market is driving students to seek opportunities abroad, a development that poses significant challenges for retention. Reversing this trend depends on broader economic recovery alongside stronger, proactive pathways built between universities and employers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of New Zealand students feel confident about finding a job?
According to the Talent Solutions Student Pulse survey, only 14 percent of tertiary students feel very confident about securing employment after graduation.
How are students adapting to the tight job market?
Students are applying to a higher volume of jobs, looking outside their specific fields of study, considering overseas opportunities, and using artificial intelligence to build CVs and prepare for interviews.
What role do internships play in graduate employment?
Internships provide students with vital real-world experience while giving employers a reliable way to assess candidate capabilities on the job, according to Talent Solutions director Seren Wilson.
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