‘I’ve applied for more than 400 roles’ – how young people are facing the job shortage
I’ve applied for more than 400 roles’ – how young people are facing the job shortage
I ve applied for more than 400 – Experts have labeled a group of young individuals as part of a ‘lost generation,’ highlighting the challenges faced by over a million people under the age of 24 who find themselves without employment or training opportunities. Five such individuals shared their experiences, offering insight into how they are navigating this uncertain landscape.
Breaking the Cycle of Insecurity
Zaynah, 24, described her journey since graduating college as one of persistent application and lack of response. She has submitted over 200 job applications, yet no employer has offered her a position. To address this, she is participating in a six-week charity initiative aimed at boosting her self-assurance.
“I had my health condition, eczema, which kind of stopped me from doing what I loved, which was nail art. I knew I’ve always wanted to go into makeup. Right now I’ve just been applying to make-up roles and make-up jobs in retail.”
While Zaynah’s passion for makeup remains strong, her confidence was once low. She admitted to being a shy individual who struggled with conversations. The program has helped her gain a new perspective, allowing her to feel more equipped to engage in professional settings.
Rejections and the Unseen Barriers
Luke, 23, who earned a product design degree from Central St Martin’s University, has faced over 400 job applications without success. He criticized the process as frustrating, noting how repetitive and demanding it has become.
“The application process is quite vile. You apply, but then the [online process] wants to know the exact same information somewhere else in a different form. What you end up having to do is actually go through it again and redo all of it from scratch.”
Despite his qualifications, Luke found himself sidelined. He explained that the financial strain and the rise of automation have significantly impacted his prospects. Many employers seem to overlook his degree, pushing him toward entry-level positions that feel beneath his skills.
Unexpected Interruptions
Tarun’s life took an unexpected turn when his grandmother’s passing required him to travel to India, interrupting his studies. This disruption has left him in a prolonged search for work and direction.
“I started doing plumbing level two… but I had to go to India so they kicked me out. I had to go to India because of my grandma’s death. When I came back, I didn’t know what to do. It’s been like a year.”
Tarun described his experience as a cycle of frustration. Without prior experience, he faced repeated rejections. To cope, he turned to self-expression through rapping, finding solace in creative outlets that kept him motivated.
Searching for Purpose
Eloise, 24, has pursued academic excellence with first-class degrees in English and creative writing. Yet, she has found herself in the hospitality sector, unable to secure roles aligned with her qualifications.
“Despite all my volunteering, work experience and degrees, I have had four interviews. I had a temp position at a pub, but none of the jobs are really what I want to do. Two other jobs ghosted me and only one offered any feedback: an entry-level position told me I ‘needed more experience’.”
Her concerns are growing as she approaches the end of the year. Without a stable job, she fears having to return to her remote village, where a minimum wage lifestyle might trap her in a cycle of uncertainty.
The Search for a Suitable Fit
Clover, 20, has spent three years following traditional career advice, yet his path remains unclear. His determination has not translated into success, leaving him in a state of prolonged searching.
“Clover spent three years following all the advice, looking for work. Now, at 20, he told BBC Your Voice he has a job in r…”
While Clover’s story is still unfolding, his experience reflects a broader trend of young people grappling with the mismatch between their skills and available opportunities. The challenge lies not only in finding work but in finding a role that feels meaningful and aligned with their aspirations.
The struggles of these individuals are emblematic of a larger systemic issue. Many are caught in a paradox where the absence of experience limits their employability, yet the job market demands skills they haven’t yet acquired. This Catch-22 situation creates a cycle of disappointment and uncertainty, with young people often feeling overlooked despite their qualifications.
For Zaynah, the charity program has become a lifeline, helping her regain confidence and explore new career avenues. Her resilience underscores the importance of support systems in overcoming barriers. Luke’s experience highlights the emotional toll of repeated rejections, emphasizing how the job application process can feel dehumanizing. Tarun’s story reveals how personal circumstances can derail academic and professional plans, requiring individuals to adapt in unexpected ways.
Eloise’s predicament reflects the growing anxiety among graduates who feel their degrees are not translating into employment. Her fear of returning to her village is a poignant reminder of the pressure to find stability. Clover’s journey, though incomplete, illustrates the persistence required in an increasingly competitive market.
These narratives reveal a shared sense of frustration and isolation. The job market, once a clear pathway for young people, now feels like an endless maze. Employers often prioritize experience over potential, leaving graduates to navigate a landscape where their skills are undervalued.
What does this mean for the future? The increasing number of unskilled positions may not satisfy the ambitions of those with higher education. Meanwhile, automation and financial constraints are reshaping the nature of work, leaving many young people in limbo. The result is a generation that is not only struggling to find jobs but also questioning the value of their education and training.
Support systems like the charity program Zaynah participates in are crucial in helping young people navigate this challenge. They provide a bridge between academic knowledge and real-world experience, offering opportunities to build confidence and skills. However, such programs are not a universal solution, and the systemic issues requiring broader changes remain.
As the number of unemployed young people continues to rise, the need for comprehensive strategies becomes more urgent. These could include policy reforms to support graduates, investment in training programs, and efforts to align education with market demands. Until then, individuals like Zaynah, Luke, Tarun, Eloise, and Clover will continue to face the daunting task of securing a place in the job market.
Their stories serve as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of young people. Even in the face of rejection, they find ways to keep moving forward. Whether through rapping, volunteering, or participating in charity initiatives, they are forging paths that reflect their individual strengths and aspirations. These efforts not only help them cope but also highlight the importance of personal agency in overcoming systemic challenges.