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Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Global graduates are ready for work, but 58% of them still can't find jobs: What's holding them back?
Global graduates are ready for work, but 58% of them still can't find jobs A new global survey by Kickresume (an AI-powered online platform for job seekers), conducted in May 2025, reveals a surprising disconnect at the heart of today's graduate job market. While most fresh graduates say they feel confident and ready to launch their careers, the majority are still struggling to get hired. The survey gathered insights from 1,277 respondents across various education levels and career stages, dividing them into two groups: fresh graduates (students and those with less than a year of work experience) and earlier graduates (with more than a year in the workforce). According to the findings, 41 percent of fresh graduates said they feel '100 percent ready' to enter the job market. But despite this optimism, 58 percent of them have yet to secure their first job. This gap between confidence and employment highlights a growing crisis in the transition from classroom to career—a reality that raises urgent questions about whether education systems, hiring practices, or both are falling short. So what's holding them back? The job is missing before the degree ends One of the clearest signs of this shift lies in pre-graduation hiring. The Kickresume survey found that only 12% of fresh graduates had a full-time job lined up before finishing their studies. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mönchengladbach: GEERS sucht 700 Testhörer für Hörgeräte ohne Zuzahlung GEERS Undo In contrast, 39% of earlier graduates, those with more than a year of work experience, had jobs secured before graduation. That's a nearly threefold drop. The result? More graduates are entering the job market with no safety net and no clear path forward. LinkedIn wins, but resumes still confuse The job hunt has also gone digital. Kickresume's report shows that 57% of fresh graduates now rely on LinkedIn as their main job search tool, up from just 29% among earlier grads. Social media use has also jumped: 26% of today's graduates use platforms like Instagram or TikTok to look for jobs, compared to just 7% of older respondents. But even with all these tools, resumes remain the number 1 struggle. As per the Kickresume survey, Around 34% of fresh graduates said writing a resume was the most difficult part of the hiring process, despite templates, AI support, and workshops. Among earlier graduates, 27% shared the same frustration, showing this challenge hasn't changed much over time. The biggest barrier: no experience Other common hurdles fresh graduates face mirror those experienced by earlier graduates. For instance: 28% of fresh graduates and 30% of earlier graduates said they often come across unrealistic job descriptions that ask for more than what's reasonable for entry-level roles. 26% of fresh graduates and 29% of earlier graduates admitted they struggled with self-promotion, finding it hard to present themselves confidently to employers. 20% of fresh graduates and 19% of earlier graduates said they felt pressure to accept any job, even if it wasn't aligned with their goals or field of study. These numbers show that while tools and job platforms may have changed, the core challenges in the job hunt have remained surprisingly consistent across generations. Education vs. employment Despite their optimism, many graduates are beginning to question the real-world value of their education. While 56% of fresh graduates believe their education will help their careers, 11% feel it's already outdated, especially with AI reshaping industries. Among earlier graduates, 14% say most of what they learned no longer applies, and 12% believe work experience or bootcamps would've been more useful than formal education. Are first jobs really that important? Interestingly, while 47% of fresh graduates see their first job as a starting point rather than a life-defining step, the Kickresume report reveals a different reality in hindsight. Among earlier graduates: 32% say their first job defined their career path 35% say it helped them figure out what they liked or didn't Just 11% said it didn't matter at all This suggests that first jobs may shape futures more than most new grads realise. A confidence gap or a system failure? The Kickresume 2025 survey paints a nuanced picture of the global graduate job market. Today's graduates feel more confident than ever about entering the workforce, yet they are met with fewer opportunities than previous generations. Despite the rise of digital tools and platforms like LinkedIn, many core challenges remain unchanged. Fresh graduates still struggle with crafting effective resumes, overcoming experience gaps, and decoding vague job descriptions. This disconnect raises an important question—is the issue a matter of misplaced confidence, or does it point to a deeper failure in how education systems and employers prepare young people for the realities of the job market? TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
What is 'quiet cracking'? A new workplace trend that can silently affect your mental health
In today's world, where everyone is chasing deadlines, targets, and purpose, a quiet workplace crisis is slowly creeping in— something many people don't even realise they're experiencing until it is too late. It's called 'quiet cracking.' Unlike loud resignations or dramatic career exits, this builds silently, without any big signs but when it hits one day, you wake up feeling completely disconnected from your work. A recent report by VICE sheds light on this growing problem at the workplace. Quiet cracking refers to a slow, almost invisible form of burnout. It's not the sudden exhaustion we usually associate with burnout; it's more like a gradual fading of motivation, purpose, and engagement. Think of it like tiny cracks forming in a glass— at first, they seem harmless, but over time, they weaken the entire structure until it finally breaks. And sadly, it's more common than most of us realise. The cost of silent disengagement at work The Gallup State of the Global Workplace Report highlights a worrying picture. In 2024, global employee engagement dropped to just 21%. This isn't just a workplace problem— it's a personal crisis affecting millions of lives. Quiet cracking is costing people their mental health, happiness, and sense of purpose. In fact, this silent disengagement led to a staggering $438 billion in lost productivity last year alone. It's not just about profit and performance; it's about real people quietly suffering under the radar. How quiet cracking sneaks up on you Peter Duris, CEO and co-founder of Kickresume, an AI career platform, explained it best in his interview with VICE. He said, 'Quiet cracking is sneaky—it happens slowly, and by the time people realize it, they've mentally checked out from their jobs.' The main reasons for quiet cracking-- Poor or micro management, lack of growth opportunities, and feeling invisible at work. When employees don't feel valued or see a future, their energy and ambition start to fade. Simple tasks feel overwhelming, and any sense of career growth becomes hard to imagine. How to deal with quiet cracking The first step to overcoming quiet cracking is awareness. Companies must look for signs of disengagement early, but employees also need to speak up. Peter Duris, as per a report by ET, encourages employees to start conversations with managers about their feelings and ask for learning or growth opportunities. Many times, a supportive manager can reignite that lost spark and make you feel more valued and important at the workplace. 'Quiet cracking' isn't just another buzzword—it's a wake-up call. It's not about people being lazy or unmotivated. It's about workplaces forgetting the importance of human connection and support. If you feel unusually tired, uninspired, or numb about your work, don't ignore it. Recognising those first cracks may be the first step to fixing them— and finding your spark again. Married To Someone With A Mental Health Disorder? Expert Tips On How To Help Your Loved One
Hindustan Times
22-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Career gaps are the new cool among young professionals? Micro-retirement is the rising trend to fight workplace burnout
The mainstream hustle culture commonly depicts a career as strictly linear, if not full-time, then at least freelance, always on, always producing something. The concept of breaks clashes with the expected ambitious drive, and in the end, typically gets dismissed as laziness. But there's a growing trend where young professionals are turning the tide, embracing the career gap with acceptance rather than insecurity. These 'breaks' are no longer viewed as setbacks but rather as a strategic means to personal growth. This trend is 'micro-retirement' and it transforms hustle to hiatus for young professionals to find purpose and renewed vigour. The younger generation is quitting their jobs and, before hopping onto another, is choosing to follow their passions, like travelling.(Shutterstock) Peter Duris, CEO and Co-founder of AI career app Kickresume, shared with HT lifestyle about this emerging career trend seen among young working professionals that is rooted in the concept of 'break' in a more bold and empowering manner. Peter said, 'Micro-retirement is a new career trend that involves younger workers taking short breaks between jobs to focus on their hobbies, well-being, and personal aspirations. This trend allows them to focus on fulfilling personal goals and ambitions now, rather than having to wait until retirement age. It is a pause in your career to travel, work on passion projects, or simply have a well-deserved break. This trend is growing among younger generations, allowing them to focus on fulfilling personal goals, rather than having to wait until retirement age." There may be initial confusion around the term, since the word 'retirement' typically implies the end of one's career. However, for the younger generation, this micro-break may not indicate permanent exit but just a temporary halt before beginning something new. Peter clarified, 'Micro-retirement doesn't mean leaving the workforce forever. People will often return to their careers after some time away. This time off can result in employees feeling refreshed and ready to jump right into a new role once they're back. Micro-retirement is a great way for workers to balance their careers with their personal lives. While some have ambitious career goals that see them climbing the ladder quickly, others have different priorities. Micro-retirement offers the freedom to explore those personal aspirations sooner rather than later. Putting your career on hold doesn't have to be a bad thing; it can give young people the chance to do things that grow their confidence.' Importance of taking 'breaks' Breaks help you come back with more energy. You can travel or follow your passion during this break.(Shutterstock) Breaks are often not taken in today's work culture, where there's a hyper-fixated need to always be available and ready. The ambitious drive that relentlessly pushes one up the ladder comes at the silent cost of burnout. Deepti Chandy, Therapist and COO, Anna Chandy & Associates, shared with HT Lifestyle the importance of taking breaks. Requiring a break from the career itself isn't a weakness, but it helps to come back with renewed energy. Deepti shared her insights on the mental importance of breaks and said,'In today's always-on hustle culture, taking a break isn't a luxury, it's essential. When we don't pause, our emotional and cognitive health quietly take a hit. We slip into autopilot, going through the motions at work, relationships and life, without truly feeling connected to any of it. When we push ourselves without pause, our creativity, focus, and motivation fade. We may be physically present, but mentally and emotionally, we're drained. This is especially important for young people navigating high-pressure careers and constant digital connectivity. Taking time off, whether to travel or pursue a passion, helps set you up to thrive in the long run. Even therapists intentionally take breaks because our work is emotionally intensive. Every time I step away, I return more energised and reminded of why I love what I do.' Strategies to execute 'micro-retirement' Micro-retirement helps employees reflect on their career trajectory better instead of driving forward with tunnel vision.(Shutterstock) Peter Duris shared a guide to help understand and incorporate micro-retirement for employees. The guide also includes tips for employers to better facilitate the process, ensuring smooth transitions. Here's the guide: Tips for employees Choose your timing wisely: The best time to go on a micro-retirement is when you feel ready to leave your current job and take on a new experience. It involves a lot of planning and preparation. You need to make sure your notice period ends before you begin your micro-retirement, and that you have enough funds to last during your time away from work. Make sure you have a financial backstop before quitting: It's important that you are prepared financially for your micro-retirement. If you plan to travel, for example, you should make sure you have enough funds saved up to cover all your expenses while you're away. Also, bear in mind that you may not find the right job immediately after coming back, so make sure you have additional savings to see you through until then. Make a plan: Taking the time to plan out what you'll be doing during your career break and what you plan to do when you return can help your micro-retirement go a lot smoother. Refresh your resume: If you take a break between jobs, think about the best way to present this on your future job applications when you're back in the job market. You can list it on your resume as a 'sabbatical' or 'career break'. If you learned any new skills while you were in micro-retirement, don't forget that this can be a selling point, whether you were volunteering or exploring creative hobbies. Tips for employers Plan for employee departure: If a team member is planning on going on a micro-retirement, it's a good idea to have a plan in place to help with the transition. Start by wishing your employee well, and ask them to finalise any projects during their notice period. Make sure to let the rest of your team know and offer support where you can. Reach out when they're back: If a team member is setting off on a micro-retirement, they may want to come back. Depending on several factors, it could be worth having a conversation about their return if they've expressed interest in remaining in the industry. ALSO READ: International Yoga Day 2025: Experts share benefits of yoga at workplace and 5 strategies to include it in daily routine Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Entrepreneur
05-06-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Micro-Retirement? Quit Your Job Before You're a Millionaire
The trend is popular on social media among Gen Z and millennial workers who need a break. The average age of retirement in the U.S. is 63 for women and 65 for men, according to recent research from financial services company Empower — a milestone several decades off for Gen Z and young millennial professionals. What's more, for many people, saving enough money for a comfortable lifestyle in their golden years remains an elusive feat. More than 57% of working Americans think they're behind where they should be on their retirement savings, including 35% who feel significantly behind, per a 2024 Bankrate survey. Related: Americans in These 5 U.S. States Might Fare the Worst in Retirement. How Do Your Numbers Compare? That's perhaps not surprising given the lofty figure Americans consider the bare minimum for retirement: $1.46 million, according to a Northwestern Mutual study. An alternative to reaching such a far-off, financially cumbersome goal? The increasingly popular "micro-retirement." What is a micro-retirement? A "micro-retirement," also known as a "mini-retirement," refers to career breaks during which people can pursue personal interests and goals, and potentially reconsider their professional aspirations. "Micro-retirement is a great way for workers to balance their careers with their personal lives," Peter Duris, CEO and co-founder of AI career app Kickresume, says. "While some have ambitious career goals that see them climbing the ladder quickly, others have different priorities. Micro-retirement offers the freedom to explore those personal aspirations sooner rather than later." Duris also points out that micro-retirement doesn't necessarily mean leaving the workforce forever — most micro-retirees will return to their careers "feeling refreshed" and "ready to jump right into a new role." Related: How Much Money Do You Need to Retire Comfortably in Your State? Here's the Breakdown. Where did the term "micro-retirement" come from? The "micro-" or "mini-" retirement strategy is sweeping social media and gaining ground with Gen Z and young millennial professionals, but the concept of strategically-timed career breaks isn't a new one. In The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich, first published in 2007, American entrepreneur and investor Timothy Ferriss poses a question on the minds of many young workers today: "What if you could use a mini-retirement to sample your deferred-life plan reward before working 40 years for it?" Related: Early Retirement vs. Delayed Retirement: Which Is Right for You? Ferriss's mini-retirement strategy involves regular travel. "I currently take three or four mini-retirements per year and know dozens who do the same," he writes. "Sometimes these sojourns take me around the world; oftentimes they take me around the corner —Yosemite, Tahoe, Carmel — but to a different world psychologically, where meetings, e-mail and phone calls don't exist for a set period of time." In a recent survey from global outplacement and career development firm Careerminds, 26% of micro-retirees said their top goal would be travel and exploration, while 23% were motivated by health and wellness. How can you pull off your own micro-retirement? The best time to micro-retire is when you're ready to leave your current job and tackle a new experience, according to Duris — but adequate planning and preparation will go a long way. Employees embarking on micro-retirement should make sure they save enough money for their time away and post-hiatus job search, have a clear sense of what they'd like to do during micro-retirement and upon their return, and refresh their resumes with any skills gleaned from the break, Duris suggests. Related: Retiring at 27: Ambitious, Lazy or Crazy? "Although this way of working and living might sound stressful, it offers the chance to experience the best of both worlds," Duris says. "Putting your career on hold doesn't have to be a bad thing. It can give young people the chance to do things that grow their confidence and help them learn more about themselves."
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How To Use These 4 Best AI Tools To Find Jobs
Time is money, especially when you're unemployed and without a paycheck. If only there were a way to accelerate the job search process and get hired quickly. Luckily, AI can help make that possible. Check Out: Try This: With the help of AI, you can stop manually applying for jobs and utilize tools for every step of the job-hunting process, from writing cover letters to landing interviews. If you're looking for a new job, check out these handy AI tools to help you get hired. You need an updated and polished resume before applying for jobs. If it's been a few years since you last applied for a job, you may need to build a resume from scratch. This is where Kickresume can help. Simply enter your name and job title, and the tool will generate a draft of your resume that you can edit and personalize with the assistance of AI. It even scores your resume based on design, structure, and content so you can track where it needs improvements. The site has free features but requires upgrading for a complete resume draft. Learn More: Drafting a cover letter for each job you apply for is tedious. In only a few simple steps, Grammarly's cover letter generator produces a professional cover letter for you, and it's free! All you need to do is upload your resume, a description or link to the job you're applying for, and the job responsibilities and requirements. Then, Grammarly can tailor the letter to the specific position you're applying for. If you don't like the first rendition of the cover letter, you can edit it on Grammarly's site and use their suggestions to ensure it is free of spelling errors and grammatically correct. With your resume and cover letter prepared, you're ready to start applying for jobs. While Teal offers tools for building a resume and cover letter, its job application tracker is a real time saver, and will help streamline your job hunt process. Teal's Chrome extension allows you to save jobs as you find them. When you have a few jobs saved, the tool will track and monitor them for you. Everything from bookmarking to job acceptance. On top of that, it also provides tailored suggestions for each job application and allows you to schedule follow-ups so you don't miss a beat during any step of the process. ChatGPT may not be a job application tool, but that doesn't mean you can't use it to your advantage when applying for jobs. Before you step into an interview, it's a good idea to practice responding to questions so you're as prepared as possible. Prompt ChatGPT to generate interview questions based on the job description of the role you're applying for. If you struggle to answer any of the questions or don't like how you respond, use the tool to rephrase your response to help you sound more polished and professional for the real thing. Don't waste time on your job search. Use these best AI tools to your advantage to get hired quickly. More From GOBankingRates Mark Cuban: Trump's Tariffs Will Affect This Class of People the Most 6 Popular SUVs That Aren't Worth the Cost -- and 6 Affordable Alternatives How To Get the Most Value From Your Costco Membership in 2025 10 Genius Things Warren Buffett Says To Do With Your Money This article originally appeared on How To Use These 4 Best AI Tools To Find Jobs
