The Harsh Realities of the 2025 Job Market

The job market in 2025 is no longer what it used to be and candidates know it.

According to the latest Workforce & Hiring Report by Greenhouse, the pressure on job seekers has reached a boiling point. With employer ghosting, AI-powered applications, and growing fears of discrimination, many candidates are caught in a battle just to get noticed.

At OakGar Recruitment, we see firsthand how these shifts are impacting real people. Whether you're a care worker, administrator, or manager in the UK’s health and social care sector, these global trends are creeping into every hiring conversation and they matter.

Here’s our breakdown of the key challenges today’s candidates are facing and what it means for both job seekers and employers alike.

1. The Power Dynamic Is Broken

Only 7% of job seekers believe the current market favours them. The remaining 93% feel stuck in a system they don’t control.

Gen Z, in particular, is feeling the heat, 45% say it’s harder than ever to stand out. And for good reason: 72% of candidates say they’ve fallen victim to "bait-and-switch" job ads, roles that promised one thing but delivered another.

The message is clear: trust in the recruitment process is eroding fast.

2. AI Has Changed the Rules

As hiring systems rely more on automation, job seekers are responding with their own tech tools. In the U.S. alone, 67% now use AI in their job hunt. That includes:

• 45% using AI for interview prep

• 28% using it to create fake work samples

• 22% automating applications with bots

Gen Z leads the AI adoption curve, with nearly a third saying it’s fair game in any situation—even live interviews. But there’s a price: 26% now say AI makes it harder to stand out, not easier.

The line between fair advantage and fraud is blurring and employers aren’t keeping up with clear guidance.

3. Bias and Discrimination Are Still Gatekeepers

Perhaps the most alarming stat? 53% of U.S. job seekers say they’ve faced illegal or discriminatory questions during interviews.

Ageism is front and centre:

• 61% of Boomers report facing age discrimination

• Nearly half have had their tech skills questioned

• 57% of all candidates have removed “older” experience from their CVs to appear more hirable

Some have even changed their names to avoid unconscious bias. This isn’t just unethical, it’s talent loss on a massive scale.

4. Ghosting Is Now a Two-Way Street

Once an employer-only issue, ghosting has become mutual.

• 63% of candidates say they’ve been ghosted by an employer post-interview

• 73% of Gen Z candidates have ghosted an employer in return

• 26% have walked away after receiving an offer

• 23% disappeared after a bad interview experience

This breakdown in communication is driving distrust on both sides and damaging employer brands in the process.

So… Where Do We Go From Here?

For candidates:The competition is fierce, but integrity still matters. While AI can help, over-reliance or outright dishonesty will eventually backfire. Focus on clarity, authenticity, and positioning your real value.

For employers:It’s time to humanise the hiring process. Relying solely on automation, vague job descriptions, or cookie-cutter applications will alienate the very people you’re trying to attract. Build trust, offer transparency, and challenge bias at every stage.

At OakGar, we’re committed to bridging this gap. We believe in a recruitment experience that’s fair, transparent, and personal, whether you’re hiring your next care assistant or applying for your first support role.

The job market is shifting and fast. But with the right strategies and a human-first mindset, we can navigate it together.