Young jobseekers are using ‘text-speak’ when applying for roles, employers say(Picture: PA)

Young people are locking themselves out of the jobs market by turning up late for interviews or communicating with employers in text speak, according to a report.

Businesses are also reporting candidates have unrealistic expectations, with some expecting to ‘just walk into their dream job’.

They were among the issues that emerged in a study that revealed young people and employers are often on ‘completely different planets’ over recruitment, which is hindering their access to jobs at a time of high youth unemployment.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel Development, which produced the report, said there was a ‘clear mismatch’ between the expectations of employers and young people’s understanding of what is expected of them.




It is fuelling a ‘ticking time bomb’ of skills shortages for businesses, the CIPD said.

Youth unemployment is high (Picture: PA)

The report – Employers are from Mars, young people are from Venus – drew on several sources including interviews with employers and young people.

The main issues emerging in the recruitment process were a shortage of confidence and poor levels of preparation, communication and presentation.

Specific complaints included:

• Not reading or understanding eligibility criteria for the job

• General understanding of expectations such as punctuality and what to wear

• Poor written communication such as emails written in text-speak

• Little knowledge of ‘basic work etiquette’

• Difficulty in saying why they want the job

The research also found that many employers were seeking experienced staff for junior posts, which creates a ‘vicious cycle’ for young jobseekers.

A lack of feedback or even acknowledgement after applying for jobs is ‘de-motivating and crushing the confidence’ of many young people, the report said.

But conversely some employers reported being overwhelmed by a large volume of ‘scattergun’ applications from young people who have not researched the role.

Poor careers advice and guidance in schools was also said to be leaving many young people with little understanding of the world of work.

CIPD chief executive Peter Cheese said: ‘When it comes to recruitment it can feel as though young people and employers are on completely different planets.

‘Too many young people are struggling to find their first job, whereas many employers are finding it difficult to get the skills they need.

‘This mismatch needs to be addressed, not only to reduce youth unemployment and the long-term impact it can have on young people, but also to ensure UK businesses are equipped with the right talent for the future.’

One in five 16 to 24-year-olds is currently unemployed in Britain.