"Over the course of two years, she submitted more than 1,400 job applications, out of which approximately 50 employers reached out to move forward with an interview. That's less than 1%. "I felt very defeated when I was denied roles that I had high hopes for, especially the ones where I would make it to the final round," Aspen told me. "Overall, the job search process has felt like the Call of Duty: Warzone video game. This process breaks you down emotionally, mentally, and physically.""
"New research from Gallup, Walton Family Foundation, and Jobs for the Future (JFF) suggests that Gen Z and their parents are largely unaware of different postsecondary options due to a lack of guidance and resources. You'd think technological advancements would provide access to more information and support, but that's not the case. Research reveals that 43% of young professionals feel isolated or unsupported in figuring out their career paths."
Early-career job prospects for Gen Z are bleak despite educational attainment and technological access. Many recent graduates face extremely low interview rates after massive application efforts, producing emotional and mental strain. Unemployment for recent college graduates reached 4.8% in June 2025, exceeding the overall U.S. unemployment rate. Surveys find one in four young adults cannot find jobs in desired career paths and 62% are not working in intended careers. Lack of awareness about postsecondary options and scarce guidance contribute to the problem, with 43% of young professionals feeling isolated and rising AI competition worsening entry-level prospects.
Read at Fortune
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