Why Gen Z is struggling to get hired (and it’s not just in their heads)

When I graduated university in the early 2010s, getting a job wasn’t easy — but it was doable. I sent out some CVs, went to a few interviews, and within a couple of months, I had my first full-time role. Entry-level jobs existed. Employers expected to train you. The whole system felt built for people like me — new, eager, a bit clueless, but ready to learn.

Fast forward to now, and it’s a whole different story for Gen Z. If you’re a recent graduate feeling stuck in job-hunt limbo, you’re not imagining things. It is harder out there.

The Numbers Are Brutal

Let’s talk stats for a second. Nearly 60% of recent grads are still job hunting after graduation. That’s more than double what it used to be. Back when millennials (like me) were starting out, only around 25% of us were still looking for full-time work at this stage.

That’s a massive shift.

And to make it worse, Gen Z grads are three times less likely to have a job lined up before they even leave uni. Remember when career fairs used to end with someone handing you a business card and saying, “We’ll be in touch”? Yeah, not so much anymore.

So… What Happened?

A few big things changed — and not in Gen Z’s favour.

• Entry-level jobs don’t exist like they used to.
  Many “entry-level” roles now ask for 2–3 years of experience. How? From where? It’s like asking someone to run before they’ve even been given shoes.
• AI and automation are replacing junior roles.
  Companies are leaning on tech to do the stuff interns and assistants used to handle. Great for efficiency. Awful for people trying to get a foot in the door.
• More degrees, fewer guarantees.
  A university degree used to be a near-guarantee of employment. Now it’s just the starting line — and sometimes, not even that.
• Cost of living is crushing.
  Even unpaid internships (which shouldn’t exist) feel like a luxury most can’t afford. Living with your parents while working for free just isn’t an option for everyone.

It’s Not Just a “Work Ethic” Thing

Some older generations like to chalk this up to Gen Z being too picky or not wanting to “pay their dues.” But the data tells a different story.

Most Gen Zers I’ve spoken to want to work. They’re sending out hundreds of applications. They’re doing online courses. They’re tweaking CVs and practising for interviews. The problem isn’t effort — it’s access.

The rungs at the bottom of the career ladder are getting sawed off. And you can’t climb what isn’t there.

What Can We Do?

Honestly? I don’t have all the answers. But here are a few thoughts:

• Employers need to rethink “entry-level.”
  If you need someone with three years’ experience, say so. But if you just want someone sharp and trainable, take a chance on a grad.
• We need better pathways in.
  Paid internships, apprenticeships, and clearer routes into work matter. A lot.
• Let’s stop blaming young people.
  The system changed. Let’s be honest about that.

If You’re Job Hunting Right Now

I see you. It’s rough, and it’s not your fault.

Keep going — and also give yourself permission to rest. It’s easy to tie your worth to whether someone hires you. But you’re not broken. The system is.

It’s okay to feel frustrated. To be honest, you should be frustrated. Things need to change — and maybe, with enough voices calling it out, they finally will.

If this resonates, share it. Someone else out there might need to hear they’re not alone.