INDUSTRY

70% of Gen Z Indians’ job applications rejected during COVID-II: LinkedIn study

It has always been known that COVID-19 has badly battered the job market. Now, a study by LinkedIn, the world’s largest online professional network, shows the extent of damage that the second wave of COVID-19 has done to jobs, skills and education.


The findings of the study, Career Aspirations Gen Z India, conducted by research firm GfK and launched by LinkedIn, show that 72 per cent of students and 65 per cent of Gen Z Indians were professionally impacted during the second wave of the pandemic.


The study shows that nearly 70 per cent of Gen Z job applicants did not get a positive response after waiting for long periods. A similar proportion of Gen Z job aspirants said that their applications were either cancelled or delayed indefinitely. Around 90 per cent of Gen Z job applicants were demotivated due to these setbacks. 


The study focused 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. 


The respondents of the study cited “fewer opportunities”, followed by “slower recruitment” and “higher competition” as the top-three reasons affecting their job search today. Other barriers in pursuing job opportunities include a lack of guidance for skilling and increased familial responsibilities due to COVID-19.


Echoing this travesty, around 72 per cent of students stated that internship opportunities had also greatly reduced during the pandemic’s second wave. Among those who are currently employed, 32 per cent of Gen Z Indians experienced a pay cut, while 25 per cent lost a job opening because the company cancelled the job role due to the pandemic.

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