Recruiter Who Placed over 1,000 Graduates Shares No. 1 Interview Closing Technique amid Tight Job Market

In today’s competitive job landscape, skills and experience are taking precedence over formal education, according to Sarah Skelton, co-founder and managing director of staffing and recruiting firm Flourish. With over 1,000 successful job placements under her belt, Skelton advises that a shift in strategy is essential for new graduates seeking employment in a rapidly evolving labor market.

As the class of 2025 enters a challenging job scene, recent data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shows that the unemployment rate for recent graduates rose to 5.8% in March, up from 4.6% a year earlier. Additionally, underemployment—a measure of graduates working in jobs that don’t require their degrees—increased to 41.2%, reflecting heightened caution among employers amid economic uncertainty and the growing impact of artificial intelligence on hiring practices.

Despite earning degrees, many graduates are facing difficulty landing positions. Skelton points out a common misconception: “I feel like sometimes there’s a certain perception that: ‘I’ve been to uni, I’ve got this degree, I’m going to come in at this level.’” She contrasts this with candidates who may not have a degree but possess demonstrable skills and real-world experience. “Some businesses are preferring that,” she said, particularly in sectors like business and sales, although she acknowledges that formal qualifications remain crucial in fields such as medicine.

Two people in the middle of a job interview | Source: Pexels

New graduates are frequently caught in a Catch-22, needing experience to gain experience. To navigate this dilemma, Skelton recommends a proactive and creative approach. Strategies include maximizing LinkedIn for tailored job searches, joining extracurricular groups, volunteering, seeking internships, and networking. She encourages candidates to “create your own experience” through side projects or entrepreneurial efforts and to immerse themselves in industry knowledge via podcasts and books.

“I think you have to look at the bigger picture, and you’ve got to get a bit more creative with the applications to stand out,” Skelton emphasized. Demonstrating genuine interest in a company—rather than simply seeking any job—is key.

She advocates for direct outreach to hiring managers through LinkedIn as a way to showcase initiative and enthusiasm. Offering to undertake unpaid work can also provide a valuable foot in the door. “Run up to a business proactively and say: ‘Can I come in and do some unpaid [work]?’” she said. “Fundamentally, you’ve got to set yourself apart from the others.”

Two people in the middle of a job interview | Source: Pexels

For the interview itself, Skelton underscores the importance of what she terms a “closing technique”—a method often used in sales. She recommends that candidates conclude their interviews with a confident inquiry:

Ultimately, while degrees still hold value, they are no longer a guaranteed ticket to employment. Employers are increasingly prioritizing attributes such as drive, coachability, work ethic, grit, and potential. As Skelton puts it, standing out now requires more than credentials—it demands action, creativity, and persistence.