Nine out of Ten Job Seekers Say "Job Search Slump Continues in the Second Half of the Year"

Saramin Announces Survey Results of 2,169 Participants

58.8% of Job Seekers Say "There Are Few Worthwhile Job Postings"

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Nine out of ten job seekers believe that the 'job search cold wave' will continue in the second half of the year. Although hiring is gradually opening up mainly in large corporations and major information technology (IT) companies, job seekers still perceive the employment barriers as high.

Job matching platform Saramin announced on the 9th that, according to a survey of 2,169 job seekers about the 'second half hiring market,' 91.1% of respondents said the job search difficulty is 'still severe.' The overwhelming reason they felt the job search was difficult was 'there are few job postings worth applying for' (response rate 58.7%, multiple answers allowed). This was followed by 'continued economic recession due to COVID-19' (50.5%), 'reduced number of hires by companies' (39.1%), 'increased competition rate for applications' (37.5%), 'lack of quality jobs' (32.5%), and 'increased number of document rejections' (20.1%).

The impact of job search difficulties on job-seeking activities was significant. 53.6% of job seekers answered that they are 'lowering their standards and applying for jobs.' Other responses included 'focusing on improving qualifications such as certifications' (34.7%), 'applying indiscriminately' (31.7%), 'moving between part-time or short-term jobs' (29.1%), 'dedicating themselves to gaining practical experience through internships' (13.5%), and 'investing in private employment education' (9.8%). Notably, 89.8% of these respondents said they feel severe anxiety about employment due to the worsening job search difficulties.

Among those who felt the job search difficulties, 57% said they are 'not confident about getting a job' in the first half of next year. The most common reason was 'there will likely be few job openings to apply for' (63.6%). Other reasons included 'COVID-19 is expected to continue' (53.3%), 'economic recession is expected to persist' (50%), 'competitors’ skills are becoming more standardized and advanced' (38.3%), and 'expansion of unmanned and automated systems' (12.8%).

Among all 2,169 respondents, 66.5% cited 'the end of COVID-19 and economic recovery' as necessary to alleviate job search difficulties. They also mentioned the need for 'active job creation by companies' (58.8%), 'effective government job policies' (56.3%), and 'realistic expectations from job seekers' (26%).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.