Research from Omni RMS has found that 38 per cent of 17–25-year-olds believe finding roles relevant to their skills and career goals is the most frustrating part of searching for a job, while more than half (52 per cent) said long application processes would deter them from applying altogether.
The study, which surveyed 739 UK candidates across age, gender, region and industry, comes as younger workers face mounting pressure in a tightening labour market, where vacancies are falling and competition for entry-level opportunities is intensifying.
At the same time, Gen Z candidates are embracing AI tools to improve their chances. More than half (57 per cent) of 17–25-year-olds admitted using AI during their job search. Of those using AI, 60 per cent use it to tailor CVs and 29 per cent use it to search for roles.
However, despite embracing AI, younger candidates are also the most cautious about employers relying too heavily on it during recruitment. More than a third (36 per cent) said they would consider withdrawing from a recruitment process if they felt AI was being overused by employers, compared to 29 per cent overall.
The study, which surveyed 739 UK candidates across age, gender, region and industry, highlights growing concerns around candidate experience and trust in AI in recruitment.
Across all age groups, nearly half of candidates (49 per cent) said long application processes deter applications, while 46 per cent cited poor communication during recruitment as a major frustration.
Flexible working has also become a major priority for younger workers. Among 17–25-year-olds, 61 per cent said flexible working was one of the most important factors when applying for a role, followed by pay and benefits (54 per cent) and working from home or hybrid options (30 per cent).
“Young candidates are entering a job market that feels increasingly difficult to navigate,” said Louise Shaw, Managing Director at Omni RMS. “They are dealing with higher competition, longer application processes and often a lack of communication throughout recruitment.
“At the same time, AI is changing how both candidates and employers approach hiring. Younger workers are clearly open to using these tools themselves, but they still want transparency, fairness and meaningful human interaction throughout the process.
“Organisations that simplify their recruitment journeys, improve communication and are transparent about how AI is being used are far more likely to build trust and secure early-career talent before candidates disengage.”
The research also found that younger candidates place significant importance on transparency in recruitment. Clear explanations of how AI is used in hiring ranked among Gen Z’s top priorities for improving confidence in AI-assisted recruitment processes.
Despite concerns, nearly half (49 per cent) of 17–25-year-olds still believe AI could improve candidate experience in the coming years, suggesting younger workers remain optimistic about the technology when used appropriately.
The findings reflect wider industry trends identified in the CIPD Resourcing and Talent Planning Survey 2024, supported by Omni RMS, which found that 78 per cent of organisations have increased their use of recruitment technology and 31 per cent now use some form of AI or machine learning in hiring processes.
