For college seniors preparing to enter the workforce this spring, the job market already looks daunting. Hiring freezes, shrinking job postings, and increased competition have made landing a job tougher than in previous years. But there’s another, less obvious trend that could make things even harder for recent graduates: Silent Firing.
While many have heard of “Quiet Quitting”—the practice of employees disengaging from their jobs while still collecting a paycheck—a new, more troubling phenomenon is taking shape. Silent firing is when companies subtly push employees out, making work conditions so difficult that they quit voluntarily.
“Companies are making jobs more difficult in the hopes that employees quit so their jobs can be automated,” explains George Kailas, CEO of Prospero.AI.
This means that even if a company appears to be hiring, it may also be pushing out existing workers—creating less room for career advancement and, in some cases, limiting the number of new positions available for graduates.
Fewer Openings, Tougher Negotiations
Silent firing is particularly bad news for young professionals, as it reduces job mobility—the ability to move between jobs or climb the career ladder within a company.
With fewer employees leaving on their own terms, job openings become scarcer. Even industries that typically hire thousands of entry-level employees each year may now be slower to expand their teams because silent firing has allowed them to shrink their workforce without formal layoffs.
“The lack of job mobility is only making matters worse,” says Kailas. “Employees who are silently pushed out struggle to find new positions in an already tough hiring landscape. And with fewer job postings, companies can hold onto power, keeping wages down and preventing workers from negotiating better opportunities.”
This means that even graduates who do land a job may struggle to get promoted or negotiate a higher salary later. If companies continue to rely on silent firing to cut costs, they may also hesitate to offer raises or expand their teams, making career progression slower for recent graduates.
Signs a Company Might Be Engaging in Silent Firing
For job seekers, it’s important to spot the warning signs before accepting an offer. Here’s what to look for:
- High employee turnover: If a company has a revolving door of employees leaving (but no formal layoffs), it could indicate silent firing.
- Vague job descriptions: If an employer is unclear about responsibilities, they may be setting employees up for failure.
- Unrealistic expectations: Entry-level positions with impossible performance metrics could mean the company wants employees to burn out and quit.
- Rigid return-to-office (RTO) policies: Many companies are using RTO mandates to push employees out, especially those who prefer remote work.
- Poor Glassdoor or LinkedIn reviews: Reviews from past employees can provide insight into how a company treats its workforce.
How to Navigate the Job Market in 2025
Given these challenges, how can new graduates improve their chances of landing a good job?
- Target Stable Industries – Some fields, like healthcare, cybersecurity, and renewable energy, continue to grow and are less affected by economic uncertainty.
- Look for Companies Investing in Growth – Firms expanding into new markets, launching new products, or hiring aggressively may offer more career stability.
- Network Relentlessly – Many jobs aren’t even posted publicly. Attending industry events, engaging on LinkedIn, and seeking mentorship can open doors.
- Negotiate Up Front – With raises harder to come by later, new hires should negotiate salaries, benefits, and perks before accepting an offer.
- Seek Internships and Contract Roles – If full-time hiring is slow, a paid internship or contract position can help build experience while keeping options open.
As companies face economic uncertainty, automation, and shifting labor demands, silent firing may continue to be a preferred strategy for cutting costs without public backlash.
“So, is silent firing making the job market worse in 2025? The signs point to yes,” Kailas warns. “By avoiding direct layoffs, companies are quietly eroding career stability, making it harder for workers to move up—or even move on.”
For new graduates entering the workforce, this means being proactive, adaptable, and strategic in job hunting. The competition may be fierce, but those who stay informed, network effectively, and choose companies wisely will be best positioned for success.