West Chester University Students Prepare for Competitive Job Market

University offers resources to help students stand out and navigate evolving hiring practices.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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As the spring semester nears graduation, West Chester University students are getting guidance on how to stand out in the competitive job market. Experts say today's hiring process looks different, with entry-level positions drawing hundreds of applications and AI screening resumes before human review. The university is helping students prepare through resources like a Career Closet for professional attire, coaching on translating experiences, and preparing for a major job fair. Despite the challenges, career advisors say internships, networking, and face-to-face connections can still make a difference.

Why it matters

The competitive job market poses significant challenges for college graduates, who must navigate evolving hiring practices like AI resume screening before even reaching a human recruiter. West Chester University's efforts to equip students with the right skills and resources aim to give them an edge in securing employment after graduation.

The details

West Chester University is helping students prepare for the competitive job market in several ways. The university's Career Closet allows students to borrow professional attire for interviews and job fairs, removing a financial barrier. Student body president Derrick Addison advises students to learn how to effectively communicate their experiences and the impact they've made. The university is also hosting a Job and Internship Fair, where over 130 employers are expected to meet with students. Career center director Jennifer Rossi Long notes that hiring practices are shifting, with employers focusing more on skills than traditional academic markers like major or GPA. She also warns that AI is playing a growing role in the hiring process, so students must carefully tailor their resumes to align with job descriptions.

  • The spring 2026 semester is nearing graduation at West Chester University.

The players

Shannon Byrnes

A senior communications major at West Chester University who is still searching for the right job opportunity.

Derrick Addison

The student body president at West Chester University, who is a finance major that has already secured a job with an insurance company.

Jennifer Rossi Long

The director of the Twardowski Career Development Center at West Chester University.

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What they’re saying

“Sometimes you can feel like your future is on the line.”

— Shannon Byrnes, Senior communications major (cbsnews.com)

“Suits nowadays cost upwards of $300. The Career Closet helps remove that financial barrier.”

— Derrick Addison, Student body president (cbsnews.com)

“Learn how to translate your experiences and the impact you make in organizations. It will benefit how you are portrayed to recruiters.”

— Derrick Addison, Student body president (cbsnews.com)

“There's been a move away from a focus on major or GPA. Employers are asking: what are the actual skill sets we need someone to do this job?”

— Jennifer Rossi Long, Director of Twardowski Career Development Center (cbsnews.com)

“When you think of AI reading a resume, it's doing keyword matches. Students should carefully tailor their resumes to align with job descriptions or risk being screened out before a recruiter ever reviews their application.”

— Jennifer Rossi Long, Director of Twardowski Career Development Center (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The university's Job and Internship Fair, where more than 130 employers are expected to meet with students, is scheduled for the coming weeks.

The takeaway

As the job market becomes increasingly competitive and hiring practices evolve, West Chester University is proactively equipping students with the resources, skills, and strategies needed to stand out and secure employment after graduation. By addressing challenges like AI-driven resume screening and the financial barriers of professional attire, the university is helping students navigate the complex path to their first post-college job.