### The Struggle of New Graduates

Nave Avraham, a **software engineer** at Semperis and a graduate from **Ben-Gurion University**, shares his experience transitioning into the job market. Despite sending out **dozens of resumes**, he found himself competing against **thousands of candidates**. "Most jobs are now filled through referrals, and job postings attract over a thousand applications in an hour," he explains. 

### Changing Requirements for Junior Positions

Avraham highlights a worrying trend: companies are increasingly seeking candidates with **three years of experience** for junior roles. After **eight months** of searching while working at a software company, he finally landed a position through the **Place-IL program**, aimed at supporting graduates from peripheral areas.

![Nave Avraham and Nitsan Koren](https://pic1.calcalist.co.il/picserver3/crop_images/2025/02/13/ryUWkPsY1g/ryUWkPsY1g_0_0_700_398_0_x-large.jpg)

### A Broader Perspective

Avraham's story reflects a larger issue facing university graduates today. High competition and the **rapid advancement of AI** are making it hard for many, even those with **good grades and relevant degrees**. Nitsan Koren, also a graduate from Ben-Gurion University, echoes these sentiments after nearly a year of job searching. "With so many graduates and limited openings, competition is fierce," she notes.

### Standing Out in a Crowded Market

To differentiate herself, Koren participated in a **university competition** sponsored by Google, where she helped create an app for emotional support. This project served as a **valuable addition** to her resume. Eventually, she found success through a dedicated program at the **J.P. Morgan Innovation Center**, where many participants have successfully transitioned into stable careers.

### The Reality of the Job Market

The job landscape is changing dramatically, especially in **Israel**, where the ongoing war and economic pressures have led to **streamlined hiring practices**. A recent survey indicated that **35%** of companies are adjusting their human resource strategies. Even graduates from well-regarded institutions are struggling to find relevant employment, with some settling for jobs unrelated to their fields.

### Universities Respond to Market Needs

Recognizing the challenges, universities are adapting their programs to better align with industry demands. Dr. Keren Goldfarb from **Bar-Ilan University** emphasizes the importance of practical skills, launching initiatives that blend academic learning with real-world projects. 

### Opportunities Amidst Challenges

Despite the bleak outlook, some companies continue to recruit, particularly for **dedicated programs**. For instance, **Iguazio** and **Panax** are hiring for junior roles, offering pathways for recent graduates to enter the tech field.

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With companies prioritizing referrals and AI replacing junior roles, recent graduates are finding few opportunities.

4 weeks ago IT Jobs Articles Digested