The numbers tell a stark story. Graduates entering the workforce in 2022 stepped onto a red carpet where employers were fighting for talent. Today, the landscape looks very different. While the number of young jobseekers is rising, the door to the corporate world seems to have closed slightly. Does this mean your degree has lost its value? Certainly not. But the rules of the game have changed.
While the number of young jobseekers is rising, the door to the corporate world seems to have closed slightly.
For many recent graduates, this feels like a cold shower. You have studied for years, secured your degree, and are ready to make an impact. Yet, invitations to interview are scarce, and selection processes are more rigorous than ever. It is tempting to take this personally, but the cause is structural. It is simply the result of two forces colliding: economic pressure and the rapid rise of AI.
First, the hard facts. The perception that "there are fewer jobs" is not imaginary, it is backed by data. According to recent figures from VDAB, the demand for university graduates has hit a significant slump in Belgium. In the past year, only 27.951 vacancies explicitly asked for an academic bachelor’s or master’s degree. The lowest number recorded in at least eight years, even lower than during the pandemic.
At the same time, the supply side is growing. At the end of 2025, there were 3.845 highly educated jobseekers under 25, compared to just 2.573 in 2022. This creates a sharp contrast: significantly more candidates fighting for significantly fewer spots. So, what is going on?
Firstly, there is the economic reality. Persistent inflation and uncertain markets mean companies are investing more cautiously. Fewer investments lead to fewer new projects, and consequently, fewer vacancies for starters.
AI boosts productivity, leading companies to expect they can achieve more with fewer people.
Secondly, Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a dual role. AI boosts productivity, leading companies to expect they can achieve more with fewer people. Tasks that were traditionally assigned to juniors - data processing, basic analysis, drafting texts - are increasingly automated. As a result, the bar for entry-level roles is higher: companies are no longer looking for 'executors', but for 'accelerators'.
It is not just that there are fewer chairs; the hiring process cases, employers report receiving up to 800 applications for a single vacancy. Why such extreme numbers? Generative AI allows any candidate to produce a flawless, passionate cover letter in seconds. What used to be a signal of dedication - writing a tailored letter - has become "cheap talk".
Generative AI allows any candidate to produce a flawless, passionate cover letter in seconds. What used to be a signal of dedication has become "cheap talk".
This creates a paradox: Applying has never been easier, but getting noticed has never been harder. Recruiters, flooded with AI-generated text, can no longer rely on written words alone. They are looking for signals that cannot be faked. They are looking for proof.
In a market full of noise, companies are reverting to human certainties. They are searching for signals of authentic potential": traits and experiences that an algorithm cannot replicate.
The question is no longer "What did you study?", but "How fast can you add value in a complex environment?".
The question is no longer "What did you study?", but "How fast can you add value in a complex environment?".
While the market is tougher, candidates are not powerless. Waiting for the market to turn is not a strategy; taking ownership is. Here is what candidates can do right now to generate those valuable signals:
Taking these steps will set any candidate apart. However, bridging the gap between potential and performance remains a challenge for both graduates and clients. That is precisely the role of Projective Talent.
We do more than just "forward CVs". We help candidates understand the landscape and build the proof employers are looking for.
The job market of is no longer a red carpet; it is a competitive arena. That may sound intimidating, but it is also an opportunity. But for those who take initiative, focus on growth, and choose real experience, the opportunities are there.
At Projective Talent, we don’t just help you find a job. We help you secure the right start and ensure you develop and build the "proof" needed to launch the rest of your career.
As part of Projective Group, Projective Talent connects ambitious professionals with leading financial services companies, opening doors to career-defining opportunities. Whether through traineeships that transition into long-term roles with our clients, or missions that offer flexible assignments, we ensure the right fit for both candidates and businesses.
With access to A+ clients, expert coaching, and a strong professional network, we help talent and companies grow together - fuelling careers, innovation, and long-term success.
