Catch-22 | 7 in 10 young jobseekers rejected from 'entry-level' jobs over lack of experience

Britain's young jobseekers are being rejected for roles because they don’t have enough experience – despite the jobs being billed as ‘entry-level’, according to new research.

The survey, commissioned by Virgin Media O2 ahead of National Apprenticeship Week (5 to 11 February), demonstrates the uphill challenges young people are facing as they start their career.

In today’s hyper-competitive job market, three quarters (74%) of 25–34-year-olds have been rejected from an entry-level role because they didn’t have enough experience with a third (37%) saying they’ve felt underqualified when applying.

Furthermore, more than three quarters (77%) of Brits believe it’s important to have relevant work experience even when seeking an entry-level role, while seven in 10 (72%) think it’s harder to find entry level roles nowadays.