Six out of 10 job seekers plan to devote this summer break to preparing for employment, a survey found. Amid a worsening job market, many young job seekers find even resting burdensome.
Catch, a recruitment platform operated by Jinhak Apply, surveyed 1,786 job seekers on their "summer break plans" and found that 64% of respondents chose "job preparation," the company said on the 10th. This was followed by self-development (18%), travel or rest (16%), internship or contract work (15%), and part-time work (13%).
The most common reason for focusing on job preparation even during the break was "I feel I will fall behind if I rest," at 46%. "I need to prepare for second-half hiring" accounted for 18%, and "a gap period seems disadvantageous for employment" came in at 14%. Another 5% said they had no clear reason but felt anxious.
The pressure surrounding job preparation was also reflected in the figures. Of all respondents, 75% said they feel pressure to prepare for employment during the break. Those who answered "average" and "do not feel pressure" stood at 19% and 6%, respectively. This suggests summer break is perceived not as a simple rest period but as a time to prepare for second-half hiring.
Those who said enjoying travel or rest felt burdensome also reached 66%. "Average" and "not burdensome" accounted for just 24% and 10%, respectively. This is interpreted as pressure over employment leading to psychological burden regarding travel and rest.
Meanwhile, the most common method of job preparation was "document preparation," at 66%. This was followed by obtaining certifications (27%) and gaining job experience (17%). The most common amount of time spent on job preparation per day during the break was "one to three hours." "Three to five hours" and "more than five hours" accounted for 20% and 13%, respectively.
"Generation Z job seekers perceive the break period not as a simple rest period but as a time to prepare for second-half hiring," said Kim Jung-hyun, head of Catch at Jinhak Apply. "It is important to first decide on the job and company one wishes to apply for, then prepare necessary elements such as documents, job experience, and certifications according to priority."
