Searching for Jobs, Gen Z Feels Like It’s Staring Into ‘the Void’

Hundreds of applications later, even being rejected by an actual human being counts as a victory.

Searching for Jobs, Gen Z Feels Like It’s Staring Into ‘the Void’

TL;DR

  • Gen Z job seekers describe a process that is lonely, opaque, and impersonal, with many applications feeling like they are sent into "the void."
  • The rise of AI in hiring, including AI chatbots and automated screening systems, makes it difficult for applicants to connect with human recruiters.
  • Job seekers are encountering "ghost jobs" (roles already filled or non-existent) and one-way video interviews, adding to their frustration.
  • Many young graduates are underemployed, taking jobs below their qualification level due to the difficulty in finding suitable work.
  • The impersonal and often fruitless job search is contributing to a sense of alienation and disaffection among Gen Z towards the political establishment.
  • Some job seekers are using AI tools to help write their resumes and cover letters to navigate the automated hiring systems.