‘I’ve applied for more than 400 roles’ – how young people are facing the job shortage

I ve applied for more than 400 – Experts refer to a “lost generation” as the growing number of young individuals under the age of 24 who remain without steady employment or structured training opportunities. This group, now exceeding one million in size, is navigating a challenging landscape where traditional pathways to work are increasingly scarce. Five individuals share their personal struggles and strategies for overcoming this crisis, offering insight into the emotional and practical toll of the current job market.

Zaynah’s journey: from uncertainty to small steps

Zaynah, 24, recalls the frustration of submitting hundreds of applications without a single response. “I’ve applied for over 200 jobs since leaving college, but no one has taken notice,” she says. Her focus shifted to make-up roles in retail after her health condition—eczema—prevented her from pursuing her passion for nail art. The six-week charity scheme she’s currently enrolled in is helping her rebuild confidence, a critical factor in her career transition.

“Before, I was so shy I couldn’t even start a conversation. Now, I feel like I’ve made progress. I can talk more openly, and that makes a difference in how I approach job interviews,” she explains. The lack of experience, she admits, has been a barrier. “I think it’s holding me back. Without any formal work history, it’s hard to prove my value.”

Zaynah’s experience mirrors that of many her age, where the absence of professional experience creates a cycle of rejection. She emphasizes that some young people are unsure of their career goals, which compounds the difficulty of securing positions. “It’s not just about skills; it’s about having a clear direction. When you don’t know what you want, it feels like you’re stuck in limbo.”

Luke’s battle with the application process

Luke, 23, studied product design at Central St Martin’s University, yet he remains jobless despite submitting more than 400 applications. He describes the process as “exhausting and demoralizing.” “You apply, but the online system demands the same information in different formats. It feels like you’re starting over each time,” he says.

“Even after getting a degree, you’re told you’re too qualified for basic roles or not skilled enough for specialized ones. It’s like a Catch-22,” Luke laments. He highlights how financial constraints and technological shifts—such as AI replacing traditional jobs—have altered expectations for entry-level positions.

His experience with Universal Credit and frequent rejections has left him feeling disheartened. “It’s humiliating to keep applying and never getting a response. The job centres are overwhelming, and it’s hard to feel like you’re making progress when everything you do is dismissed.”

Tarun’s interrupted path: from India to uncertainty

Tarun’s story took an unexpected turn when his grandmother passed away, forcing him to take a break from his studies. “I had to go to India for the funeral, and that meant leaving my plumbing level two course behind,” he explains. Upon returning, he struggled to reconnect with his career goals, facing repeated rejections for both entry-level and skilled positions.

“I applied for everything, but every job required experience I didn’t have. It felt like a loop—trying, failing, trying again. I was lost and didn’t know how to keep going,” Tarun admits. To cope, he turned to creative outlets like rapping, which became a source of motivation and joy.

His journey underscores how personal events can disrupt career trajectories, leaving young people to navigate a market that often favors those with prior experience. “I’m still searching, but the pressure is real. If I can’t find work soon, I might have to start over in a completely different setting.”

Eloise’s dilemma: degrees without opportunities

Eloise, 24, holds a first-class undergraduate degree and a masters in English and creative writing, yet she finds herself working in hospitality. “I’ve applied for countless roles, but none have matched my qualifications or my aspirations,” she says. Despite her volunteer work and academic achievements, she’s faced rejections that leave her questioning her future.

“One job offered feedback saying I needed more experience. It’s frustrating because I’ve done everything possible to improve. But the system seems stacked against people without prior employment,” Eloise reflects. She’s applied to positions in Stirling and Edinburgh, even using her brother’s address to increase her chances, but opportunities remain elusive.

The pressure to secure work by year’s end has her considering a move back to her rural village. “If I can’t find a job here, I might have to settle for minimum wage work. My master’s classmate got a job in America, and I feel like I’m being left behind,” she says. This sentiment highlights the growing anxiety among young professionals about the future of their careers.

Clover’s three-year struggle: perseverance in a stagnant market

Clover spent three years following all the conventional advice, from networking to tailoring resumes, but still finds himself without a job. Now 20, he says the effort has paid off, though the journey has been long and arduous. “I applied to everything, from entry-level roles to more advanced positions, but it was like climbing a mountain with no peak in sight,” he recalls.

“The process feels endless. You keep applying, but the response is the same—no calls, no offers. It’s not just about qualifications; it’s about timing and luck. I’ve tried to be proactive, but the market hasn’t been responsive,” Clover explains.

His story is a testament to resilience, but also to the systemic challenges facing young graduates. “I’ve even considered starting my own business, but without a clear plan or support, it’s hard to take the leap. I’m just waiting for the right opportunity to come along.”

Systemic issues: the root of the crisis

While individual stories highlight personal challenges, the broader issue points to systemic problems in the job market. Many young people find themselves stuck in a cycle where their education doesn’t translate to employment, and experience is required before they can gain it. This paradox is particularly evident in sectors like retail and hospitality, where entry-level roles demand skills that are often unattainable for those without prior work history.

Experts suggest that the rise of automation and the increasing demand for experience have created a gap between academic training and job readiness. “Young people are entering a market that’s not prepared to welcome them,” one analyst notes. “They’re expected to have skills and experience they can’t yet demonstrate.”

For those like Zaynah, Luke, and Tarun, the emotional impact is significant. “It’s not just about not having a job; it’s about feeling invisible in a world that values experience over potential,” Zaynah says. This sentiment is echoed by others who describe the process as dehumanizing, where applications are reduced to mere data points rather than personal stories.

Despite these challenges, some individuals are finding creative ways to adapt. Tarun’s use of music as a coping mechanism and Clover’s determination to start a business illustrate the diversity of strategies young people are employing. Yet, the question remains: how many will eventually be forced to accept the only options available, even if they don’t align with their ambitions?

As the job market continues to evolve, the need for support systems and policy changes becomes more urgent. Whether through targeted training programs, financial assistance, or mentorship, the hope is that these young people will not be left behind. But for now, they remain in a limbo of uncertainty, waiting for the right opportunity to emerge.