Job searching can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. You pour hours into perfecting your CV and cover letters, hit “apply” on countless job boards, and then… often face a wall of rejections or, even worse, complete silence. It’s a frustrating reality for many job seekers today.
But what if there was a way to bypass some of these common roadblocks and streamline your path to a new role? This is where partnering with a recruitment agency can make all the difference.
Recruitment agencies aren’t just for employers; they are invaluable allies for job seekers too. Here’s how working with one can transform your job search experience. But first, let’s outline some of the challenges young job seekers are currently facing.
Job application hurdles
Navigating today’s job market can be challenging for applicants. With the widespread use of AI and applicant-tracking software, a significant number of CVs are often screened out or rejected, especially for roles receiving hundreds of applications, long before a human recruiter sees them.
Many job boards also include an auto-apply feature, leading to countless applicants submitting their CVs—sometimes even AI-generated ones—for hundreds of roles. This often happens regardless of whether they truly possess the necessary skills, qualifications, or other means to perform the role.
Compounding this challenge is the unfortunate rise of fake or “ghost” job listings. Reports indicate that as many as 1 in 5 job advertisements circulating in the market are not genuine roles.
This situation is incredibly frustrating and often leads to significant financial and mental strain, leaving many feeling disillusioned with the job market, with some exiting the market altogether. This is particularly concerning for young people; a GOV.UK report indicates that in 2024, 16.2% of individuals aged 18-24 were not in education, employment, or training. While the challenges of job searching contribute to this, it’s also a complex issue rooted in broader factors like a lack of adequate support, training, essential skills for specific roles, and mental health challenges.
The pain points
Based on a survey of 102 Gen Z jobseekers, Pollen Careers identified several key areas of frustration:
- Lack of feedback (71.6%)
- Lengthy application process (65.7%)
- Being ghosted by employers (50%)
- Overemphasis on experience and education (40.2%)
- Lack of transparency regarding salaries (27.5%)
- Lack of communication (21.6%)
- Vague job descriptions (10.8%)
Survey Credit: Pollen Careers
These findings align with widespread anecdotal evidence from job seekers encountering significant barriers to accessing the job market. The reality is traditional job search methods are increasingly inefficient, take too much valuable time and energy without yielding results. This is where a recruitment agency like ours can help.
How can a recruitment agency help me?
Recruitment agencies like ours spend a lot of time building strong relationships with companies that are looking to expand. This means that by working with us, you can tap into a wide range of job opportunities within our extensive networks. As an independent recruitment agency, we also possess vast knowledge of the local job market.
We pride ourselves on offering a much more personalised and bespoke service. Our consultants take the time to truly get to know you and understand your career aspirations. We’ve cultivated long-lasting relationships with our candidates, with some working with us for nearly 15 years!
Our service is built on genuine care; our consultants are committed to their staff. We always strive to provide timely feedback, be open and honest in our communication, and equip you with the tools you need to succeed.
If you’re looking for a human recruiter that puts you first, please get in touch!
