Why Entry Level Jobs Demand Years Of Experience

Summary

The video script discusses the paradox of entry-level job requirements, highlighting how they often demand several years of experience despite being labeled 'entry-level'. It delves into historical hiring practices, the shift towards efficiency and outsourcing, and the impact of these trends on job seekers. The script critiques the modern hiring process, including the use of AI and third-party recruiters, and the role of application tracking systems (ATS) in screening resumes. It concludes by empathizing with job seekers and urging them to maintain professional presentation and confidence despite the challenges posed by an inefficient job market.

Takeaways

• 📊 38.4% of entry-level jobs require 3 to 5 years of experience, reflecting unrealistic expectations for new job seekers.
• 🏭 Post-WWII, companies filled 90% of vacancies through promotions, emphasizing the importance of entry-level positions for career growth.
• 🔄 The 80s and 90s saw a shift towards efficiency and cost-effectiveness, leading to a preference for recruiting skilled individuals over training.
• 📉 A significant decrease in internal promotions, with only 24% of vacancies filled internally, a 66% drop from previous decades.
• 🔄 The job market now demands skills for entry-level positions, creating a catch-22 situation for job seekers without experience.
• 💼 Companies spend more on recruitment than training, further discouraging the traditional purpose of entry-level roles.
• 📚 Despite the high demand for skills, 59% of employees are self-taught, indicating a lack of formal training in the workplace.
• 🎓 The value of a college degree has diminished, with 39% of employers avoiding recent graduates due to perceived lack of preparation.
• 📈 There's been a 20% increase in skills required on job listings in the past 5 years, suggesting inflated expectations for entry-level candidates.
• 🤖 The hiring process is increasingly outsourced, with third-party recruiters and AI models potentially skewing job requirements.
• 📝 Application tracking systems (ATS) filter resumes, often excluding qualified candidates who don't fit the ATS's keyword optimization.

Q & A

What percentage of entry-level jobs on LinkedIn require 3 to 5 years of experience?

Roughly 38.4% of entry-level jobs on LinkedIn require 3 to 5 years of experience.

Why have some industries, such as manufacturing and software services, started demanding over 50% more experience for entry-level jobs?

The industries are demanding more experience due to the relentless pursuit for efficiency and an attempt to improve the bottom line, leading to a preference for recruiting skill sets rather than training them.

What was the traditional goal of hiring for entry-level positions post-World War 2?

The traditional goal was to hire someone with good manners and a determination to work hard, providing them with a career trajectory, necessary training, and a fruitful pension plan as a reward for company loyalty.

What significant change occurred in the hiring process from the 70s onwards?

From the 70s onwards, there was a shift towards efficiency and cost-effectiveness, with many American jobs being replaced due to globalization, automation, and outsourcing.

How has the percentage of vacancies filled with internal candidates changed in the last 50 years?

There has been a 66% decrease in the last 50 years, with only 24% of current vacancies now filled with internal candidates.

What is the first issue that candidates and employers are facing in the job market according to the script?

The first issue is the 'catch-22' situation where candidates need skills to get a job, but the job is supposed to be the place where they learn those skills.

What percentage of executives believe American workers aren't as skilled as they need to be?

92% of executives believe American workers aren't as skilled as they need to be.

What percentage of employers avoid hiring recent college graduates for positions they are eligible for in favor of older candidates?

39% of employers avoid hiring recent college graduates for positions they are eligible for in favor of older candidates.

How have hiring practices evolved significantly from the post-World War II period to today?

Hiring practices have evolved from thorough job analysis and candidate evaluation to outsourcing much of the hiring process to recruitment process outsourcers, who often use subcontractors and AI models to create job postings.

What is the irony in the job posting that required 'four plus years of fast API' experience?

The irony is that Sebastian Ramirez, the creator of fast API, couldn't apply for the role because he only had a year and a half of experience with his own creation.

What percentage of Fortune 500 companies use an Application Tracking System (ATS)?

98.8% of Fortune 500 companies use an ATS.

How has the perception of 'entry-level' jobs changed over time?

The perception of 'entry-level' jobs has changed from a position with no experience requiring training to a position that often asks for experience at a discounted rate.