On World Youth Skills Day 2021, LinkedIn in collaboration with research firm GfK, has launched the ‘Career Aspirations Gen Z India’ study that focuses on insights of 1,000 Gen Z students and professionals in the age group of 18 to 24 years, across June 2021.
The survey captures their current sentiment, changing perceptions, and future outlook towards jobs, skilling, and networking opportunities. The study dives deep to understand how the pandemic affected the careers and education plans of India’s youth, and what barriers they face when pursuing jobs and skilling opportunities today. Top findings from the survey reveal that 72% of students and 65% of Gen Z Indians were professionally impacted during the second wave of COVID-19.
90% of Gen Z job applicants are demotivated after job offer rejections
The study shows that nearly 70% of Gen Z job applicants didn’t get a positive response after waiting for long periods, while a similar proportion said their applications were either canceled or delayed indefinitely. Due to these setbacks, 90% of Gen Z job applicants are demotivated. When asked what they felt was the biggest barrier to get ahead in the pandemic, Gen Z Indians cited ‘fewer opportunities’, followed by ‘slower recruitment’ and ‘higher competition’ as the top 3 reasons affecting their job search today. Other barriers in pursuing job opportunities include lack of guidance for skilling and increased familial responsibilities due to COVID-19.
Source: People matters
