Breaking into the Job Market: Why It’s Tougher Than Ever
.For students and graduates, landing an early career opportunity—whether it’s an internship or a graduate role—can feel like an uphill battle. The challenges of securing an early career opportunity have been tough, with thousands of applications flooding top firms, making the process highly competitive, often impersonal, and lacking in clear feedback.
To highlight the challenges of securing early career opportunities, we spoke with Conor Driscoll, a student actively navigating the internship landscape. His insights shed light on the frustrations, challenges, and lessons learned in the process.
1️⃣ The Feedback Black Hole: How Do You Improve Without Direction?
Many candidates invest hours in polishing their CVs, writing cover letters, and practicing for interviews, only to receive vague, if any, feedback when they don’t progress.
🗣️ “Despite my strong academic background, solid work experience, and active involvement in extracurriculars, I’ve found it difficult to progress through the rounds without clear feedback on areas for improvement,” says Conor.
📌 The Reality? Many companies don’t provide personalized feedback due to the sheer volume of applicants, leaving candidates uncertain about what went wrong or how to improve.
💡 Tip: Keep track of application trends—if you’re consistently dropping out at a specific stage, focus on that area. Use platforms like Windō to track opportunities and compare employer application processes.
2️⃣ The Impersonal Application Process: How Can You Stand Out?
Automated screening tools, AI-driven CV sorting, and standardized online tests mean that many applications never reach human eyes. This makes it difficult for candidates to showcase the personal qualities that truly make them a strong fit.
🗣️ “The impersonal nature of many application processes has made it difficult to engage directly with decision-makers, an area where I believe I truly excel. I thrive in face-to-face conversations, where I can authentically showcase my skills, character, and potential,” Conor explains.
📌 The Reality? While technology streamlines hiring, it often removes the personal element, making it harder for candidates who shine in direct conversations.
💡 Tip: Use LinkedIn to connect with recruiters, attend networking events, and explore informational interviews to create personal touchpoints beyond the online application.
3️⃣ The “Experience Paradox”: How Do You Gain Experience Without Experience?
Employers often demand prior experience for entry-level roles, creating a frustrating cycle where candidates struggle to get hired because they haven’t been hired before.
🗣️ “I am confident in my candidacy due to the diverse skill set I’ve developed across various professional experiences, including a 9-month industrial placement with a large corporation,” Conor shares.
📌 The Reality? Not every student has access to an industrial placement, making internships, volunteering, and side projects crucial for standing out.
💡 Tip: If you lack formal work experience, focus on transferable skills gained from university projects, student leadership roles, or extracurricular activities like sports and competitions.
4️⃣ The Resilience Factor: Why Mindset Matters
Beyond skills and qualifications, resilience is key. Rejection is inevitable, but adapting, learning, and continuing to apply is what makes the difference.
🗣️ “My involvement in high-level competitive sports has shaped key personal attributes such as adaptability, resilience, and leadership,” says Conor. “Most importantly, I am an eager learner, able to quickly grasp new concepts and thrive in unfamiliar environments.”
📌 The Reality? Employers value persistence and adaptability just as much as technical skills. Demonstrating these qualities can set you apart.
💡 Tip: Keep a job search journal to track applications, note feedback (where available), and adjust your approach based on rejections.
Final Thoughts: The Role of Windō in Your Job Search
If you’re struggling with securing early career opportunities, platforms like Windō can help. It allows candidates to:
✅ Compare companies based on transparency, feedback culture, and application experience.
✅ Track application openings for internships & graduate roles.
✅ Set job alerts so you don’t miss key opportunities.
📌 Stay ahead of the competition—start tracking roles today!
🚀 Your dream career is within reach. Keep pushing forward!