Here's why entry-level jobs may feel impossible to obtain:

Entry-level jobs tend to be perceived as positions requiring minimal prior experience or skill; however, many job hunters on social media have voiced complaints that job listings’ requirements tend to be much more stringent. “For an entry level marketing position, two years’ experience, two or more degrees, graphic design expertise, SEO knowledge and copywriting experiences as well as viral TikTok accounts would likely be essential,” according to one TikTok user as an example of desired qualifications for success in entry-level jobs. “Companies listing Masters preferred for entry level office jobs” posted one.This sentiment may hold water.In more personal finance-related news:Treasury Department Announces New Series I Bond RateWhy Sales Increase D Despite 7 Percent Mortgage RatesDon’t Believe These Money MythsApproximately one fourth (42%) of employees reported feeling excluded from potential employment due to insufficient formal qualifications or experience, according to a 2023 Report by TestGorilla. McKinsey & Company published in 2022 reported that one of the top two obstacles to employment were lack of experience, relevant skills and credentials or education. As Julia Pollak, chief economist of ZipRecruiter notes: “Over time there has been a gradual shift towards skills-based hiring; employers increasingly prioritize experience and skills over degrees when selecting employees,” according to her study of hiring trends. This can be seen through trends analysis such as staff turnover statistics. According to a PwC survey, only 61% of human resources leaders reported hiring entry-level and less specialized positions between 2023-2024; down from 79% in 2022. One major barrier is a gap in skills training requirements. But getting training on the job has proven challenging for many workers. According to Peter Cappelli, professor of management with Penn’s Wharton School and author of several management texts. Employers do not offer internal talent development programs as promised by employers. “More companies are outsourcing talent acquisition than internally promoting,” Pollak notes, suggesting job seekers could utilize one of many cheap, affordable, convenient, accessible online training programs with practical components – including those that focus on specific technologies or platforms such as Blockchain – in order to develop skills needed for employment. Freelance work or volunteering or internship experiences offer another path to professional advancement and experience building. Watch this video to discover why job requirements have become so stricter in recent years and how best to prepare yourself for entering the workforce.