GITNUXREPORT 2026

Job Seeker Statistics

Global job seekers in 2023 faced widespread unemployment, skill gaps, and unequal opportunities.

Min-ji Park

Min-ji Park

Research Analyst focused on sustainability and consumer trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking · Reputable sources · Regular updatesLearn more

Key Statistics

Statistic 1

In 2023, 55% of US job seekers cited lack of experience as top barrier, per BLS survey

Statistic 2

Globally, 40% of job seekers faced age discrimination in 2023, especially over 50

Statistic 3

UK job seekers reported mental health issues impacting 35% searches in 2023

Statistic 4

Australian job seekers struggled with location barriers for 28% in regional areas 2023

Statistic 5

EU job seekers faced skill mismatches in 45% cases in 2022

Statistic 6

Canadian job seekers cited childcare responsibilities for 22% women in 2023

Statistic 7

Indian job seekers encountered nepotism in 60% hiring processes 2023

Statistic 8

US job seekers over 45 faced 2x longer search times in 2023

Statistic 9

Brazilian job seekers dealt with high informality rates of 38% unsuitable jobs 2023

Statistic 10

South African job seekers had 32% transport costs as barrier in 2023

Statistic 11

German job seekers reported bureaucracy delaying 25% claims in 2023

Statistic 12

Japanese job seekers faced lifetime employment myths hindering 40% transitions 2023

Statistic 13

French job seekers experienced gender pay gap fears in 30% negotiations 2023

Statistic 14

Mexican job seekers battled violence in 15% border regions affecting mobility 2023

Statistic 15

In 2023, approximately 6.3 million Americans were job seekers classified as unemployed, representing a 3.8% unemployment rate among the civilian labor force aged 16 and over

Statistic 16

Among job seekers in the EU in 2022, 22.4% were youth aged 15-24, with long-term unemployment affecting 3.8 million individuals overall

Statistic 17

In Australia, 5.7% of the labor force were job seekers in Q4 2023, with women comprising 47% of the unemployed population

Statistic 18

US job seekers from Black or African American backgrounds faced a 5.5% unemployment rate in 2023, compared to 3.4% for White non-Hispanics

Statistic 19

In India, over 42 million youth aged 15-29 were job seekers in 2022-23, with 83% from rural areas seeking non-farm employment

Statistic 20

UK job seekers numbered 1.4 million in late 2023, with 28% holding higher education qualifications

Statistic 21

In Canada, 1.2 million job seekers in 2023 included 12% immigrants who arrived within the past 5 years

Statistic 22

Brazil's job seekers reached 8.5 million in 2023, with 55% being women and 40% under 30 years old

Statistic 23

In South Africa, youth job seekers aged 15-34 accounted for 63% of the 7.9 million unemployed in Q3 2023

Statistic 24

Germany's job seekers totaled 2.7 million in 2023, with 25% being long-term unemployed over 12 months

Statistic 25

In Japan, 1.6 million job seekers in 2023 were mostly aged 25-34, comprising 40% of the unemployed

Statistic 26

France had 3.2 million job seekers in category A (actively seeking and available) in Q4 2023

Statistic 27

Mexico's job seekers were 2.1 million in 2023, with 48% in urban areas and formal sector aspirations

Statistic 28

In the US, Hispanic or Latino job seekers had a 4.6% unemployment rate in 2023

Statistic 29

China's urban job seekers youth unemployment peaked at 21.3% in June 2023 for ages 16-24

Statistic 30

Italy's job seekers included 1.8 million unemployed women in 2023, 52% of total unemployed

Statistic 31

In Sweden, 5.8% of job seekers were foreign-born in 2023, totaling 250,000 individuals

Statistic 32

Russia's job seekers were 3.2 million in 2023, with regional variations up to 4.5% in some areas

Statistic 33

In the Philippines, 4.5 million job seekers in 2023 were 45% college graduates underemployed

Statistic 34

New Zealand job seekers numbered 140,000 in Q4 2023, 60% Maori and Pacific peoples overrepresented

Statistic 35

In 2023, 65% of US job seekers found employment within 6 months via networking

Statistic 36

Globally, certified job seekers had 2.5x higher hire rates in 2023

Statistic 37

UK job seekers with tailored CVs achieved 40% callback rates 2023

Statistic 38

Australian job seekers in vocational training landed jobs 30% faster 2023

Statistic 39

EU job seekers relocating inter-regionally had 25% better outcomes 2022

Statistic 40

Canadian job seekers using career coaches succeeded 35% more 2023

Statistic 41

Indian job seekers with upskilling saw 50% salary increases 2023

Statistic 42

US long-term job seekers over 27 weeks had 15% reemployment rate 2023

Statistic 43

Brazilian formal job placements for seekers rose 12% in 2023

Statistic 44

South African job seekers in apprenticeships achieved 70% retention 2023

Statistic 45

German job seekers via temp agencies transitioned to permanent 55% 2023

Statistic 46

Japanese job seekers in mid-career hires filled 80% roles 2023

Statistic 47

French job seekers with Pôle Emploi training had 28% employment boost 2023

Statistic 48

Mexican job seekers in formal sector gained 18% wage growth 2023

Statistic 49

In 2023, 62% of US job seekers applied to jobs via online portals like Indeed, averaging 21 applications per seeker

Statistic 50

Globally, 75% of job seekers used LinkedIn for networking in 2023, with 40% securing interviews through it

Statistic 51

In the UK, job seekers spent an average of 11 hours per week on applications in 2023

Statistic 52

Australian job seekers in 2023 preferred recruitment agencies for 35% of searches, with 50% using mobile apps

Statistic 53

45% of EU job seekers in 2022 used social media daily for job hunting, per Eurostat

Statistic 54

Canadian job seekers submitted 15 resumes on average before an interview in 2023

Statistic 55

In India, 68% of job seekers relied on Naukri.com portals in 2023, averaging 30 applications monthly

Statistic 56

US job seekers aged 18-24 used TikTok for 28% of career advice in 2023

Statistic 57

Brazilian job seekers networked via WhatsApp groups for 52% of leads in 2023

Statistic 58

South African job seekers applied online for 70% of positions in 2023

Statistic 59

German job seekers used Xing platform for 60% of professional networking in 2023

Statistic 60

Japanese job seekers attended job fairs for 40% of opportunities in 2023

Statistic 61

French job seekers customized resumes for 65% of applications in 2023

Statistic 62

Mexican job seekers used LinkedIn 3x more in 2023 than 2020

Statistic 63

In 2023, 70% of US job seekers lacked digital skills for remote roles, per LinkedIn

Statistic 64

Globally, AI literacy was missing in 55% job seekers for tech jobs 2023

Statistic 65

UK job seekers needed soft skills training, with 48% deficient in communication 2023

Statistic 66

Australian job seekers had 35% gaps in cybersecurity knowledge 2023

Statistic 67

EU job seekers required green skills, 42% unprepared for sustainability roles 2022

Statistic 68

Canadian job seekers showed 28% deficiency in bilingualism for federal jobs 2023

Statistic 69

Indian job seekers lacked English proficiency in 65% rural applicants 2023

Statistic 70

US job seekers needed data analytics skills, possessed by only 25% in 2023

Statistic 71

Brazilian job seekers had low automation adaptability at 30% readiness 2023

Statistic 72

South African job seekers missed STEM qualifications in 50% youth 2023

Statistic 73

German job seekers required Industry 4.0 skills, 38% lacking 2023

Statistic 74

Japanese job seekers needed coding skills, only 20% proficient 2023

Statistic 75

French job seekers had 45% gaps in managerial competencies 2023

Statistic 76

Mexican job seekers showed 55% low digital literacy 2023

Trusted by 500+ publications
Harvard Business ReviewThe GuardianFortune+497
Imagine a world where your chances of getting hired increase by 250% with a certificate, yet 40% of global job seekers face ageism, and 6.3 million Americans are navigating the complexities of the modern job search.

Key Takeaways

  • In 2023, approximately 6.3 million Americans were job seekers classified as unemployed, representing a 3.8% unemployment rate among the civilian labor force aged 16 and over
  • Among job seekers in the EU in 2022, 22.4% were youth aged 15-24, with long-term unemployment affecting 3.8 million individuals overall
  • In Australia, 5.7% of the labor force were job seekers in Q4 2023, with women comprising 47% of the unemployed population
  • In 2023, 62% of US job seekers applied to jobs via online portals like Indeed, averaging 21 applications per seeker
  • Globally, 75% of job seekers used LinkedIn for networking in 2023, with 40% securing interviews through it
  • In the UK, job seekers spent an average of 11 hours per week on applications in 2023
  • In 2023, 55% of US job seekers cited lack of experience as top barrier, per BLS survey
  • Globally, 40% of job seekers faced age discrimination in 2023, especially over 50
  • UK job seekers reported mental health issues impacting 35% searches in 2023
  • In 2023, 70% of US job seekers lacked digital skills for remote roles, per LinkedIn
  • Globally, AI literacy was missing in 55% job seekers for tech jobs 2023
  • UK job seekers needed soft skills training, with 48% deficient in communication 2023
  • In 2023, 65% of US job seekers found employment within 6 months via networking
  • Globally, certified job seekers had 2.5x higher hire rates in 2023
  • UK job seekers with tailored CVs achieved 40% callback rates 2023

Global job seekers in 2023 faced widespread unemployment, skill gaps, and unequal opportunities.

Challenges

  • In 2023, 55% of US job seekers cited lack of experience as top barrier, per BLS survey
  • Globally, 40% of job seekers faced age discrimination in 2023, especially over 50
  • UK job seekers reported mental health issues impacting 35% searches in 2023
  • Australian job seekers struggled with location barriers for 28% in regional areas 2023
  • EU job seekers faced skill mismatches in 45% cases in 2022
  • Canadian job seekers cited childcare responsibilities for 22% women in 2023
  • Indian job seekers encountered nepotism in 60% hiring processes 2023
  • US job seekers over 45 faced 2x longer search times in 2023
  • Brazilian job seekers dealt with high informality rates of 38% unsuitable jobs 2023
  • South African job seekers had 32% transport costs as barrier in 2023
  • German job seekers reported bureaucracy delaying 25% claims in 2023
  • Japanese job seekers faced lifetime employment myths hindering 40% transitions 2023
  • French job seekers experienced gender pay gap fears in 30% negotiations 2023
  • Mexican job seekers battled violence in 15% border regions affecting mobility 2023

Challenges Interpretation

The world's job seekers are stuck in a universal game of "Sorry" where they are told they lack experience, are too old, or face some other unique local hurdle, yet the board never seems to clear for anyone to actually win.

Demographics

  • In 2023, approximately 6.3 million Americans were job seekers classified as unemployed, representing a 3.8% unemployment rate among the civilian labor force aged 16 and over
  • Among job seekers in the EU in 2022, 22.4% were youth aged 15-24, with long-term unemployment affecting 3.8 million individuals overall
  • In Australia, 5.7% of the labor force were job seekers in Q4 2023, with women comprising 47% of the unemployed population
  • US job seekers from Black or African American backgrounds faced a 5.5% unemployment rate in 2023, compared to 3.4% for White non-Hispanics
  • In India, over 42 million youth aged 15-29 were job seekers in 2022-23, with 83% from rural areas seeking non-farm employment
  • UK job seekers numbered 1.4 million in late 2023, with 28% holding higher education qualifications
  • In Canada, 1.2 million job seekers in 2023 included 12% immigrants who arrived within the past 5 years
  • Brazil's job seekers reached 8.5 million in 2023, with 55% being women and 40% under 30 years old
  • In South Africa, youth job seekers aged 15-34 accounted for 63% of the 7.9 million unemployed in Q3 2023
  • Germany's job seekers totaled 2.7 million in 2023, with 25% being long-term unemployed over 12 months
  • In Japan, 1.6 million job seekers in 2023 were mostly aged 25-34, comprising 40% of the unemployed
  • France had 3.2 million job seekers in category A (actively seeking and available) in Q4 2023
  • Mexico's job seekers were 2.1 million in 2023, with 48% in urban areas and formal sector aspirations
  • In the US, Hispanic or Latino job seekers had a 4.6% unemployment rate in 2023
  • China's urban job seekers youth unemployment peaked at 21.3% in June 2023 for ages 16-24
  • Italy's job seekers included 1.8 million unemployed women in 2023, 52% of total unemployed
  • In Sweden, 5.8% of job seekers were foreign-born in 2023, totaling 250,000 individuals
  • Russia's job seekers were 3.2 million in 2023, with regional variations up to 4.5% in some areas
  • In the Philippines, 4.5 million job seekers in 2023 were 45% college graduates underemployed
  • New Zealand job seekers numbered 140,000 in Q4 2023, 60% Maori and Pacific peoples overrepresented

Demographics Interpretation

The world's job market is a patchwork quilt of sobering statistics, revealing that while unemployment rates may look tidy on paper, they are often stitched with threads of persistent inequality, disproportionate youth struggles, and the quiet desperation of the long-term overlooked.

Outcomes

  • In 2023, 65% of US job seekers found employment within 6 months via networking
  • Globally, certified job seekers had 2.5x higher hire rates in 2023
  • UK job seekers with tailored CVs achieved 40% callback rates 2023
  • Australian job seekers in vocational training landed jobs 30% faster 2023
  • EU job seekers relocating inter-regionally had 25% better outcomes 2022
  • Canadian job seekers using career coaches succeeded 35% more 2023
  • Indian job seekers with upskilling saw 50% salary increases 2023
  • US long-term job seekers over 27 weeks had 15% reemployment rate 2023
  • Brazilian formal job placements for seekers rose 12% in 2023
  • South African job seekers in apprenticeships achieved 70% retention 2023
  • German job seekers via temp agencies transitioned to permanent 55% 2023
  • Japanese job seekers in mid-career hires filled 80% roles 2023
  • French job seekers with Pôle Emploi training had 28% employment boost 2023
  • Mexican job seekers in formal sector gained 18% wage growth 2023

Outcomes Interpretation

While the world insists algorithms hold the keys to the kingdom, the 2023 data whispers a more human truth: your next job is far more likely to be found through a person who knows you, a skill that certifies you, or a move that bet on you, than by shouting your name into the digital void.

Search Behaviors

  • In 2023, 62% of US job seekers applied to jobs via online portals like Indeed, averaging 21 applications per seeker
  • Globally, 75% of job seekers used LinkedIn for networking in 2023, with 40% securing interviews through it
  • In the UK, job seekers spent an average of 11 hours per week on applications in 2023
  • Australian job seekers in 2023 preferred recruitment agencies for 35% of searches, with 50% using mobile apps
  • 45% of EU job seekers in 2022 used social media daily for job hunting, per Eurostat
  • Canadian job seekers submitted 15 resumes on average before an interview in 2023
  • In India, 68% of job seekers relied on Naukri.com portals in 2023, averaging 30 applications monthly
  • US job seekers aged 18-24 used TikTok for 28% of career advice in 2023
  • Brazilian job seekers networked via WhatsApp groups for 52% of leads in 2023
  • South African job seekers applied online for 70% of positions in 2023
  • German job seekers used Xing platform for 60% of professional networking in 2023
  • Japanese job seekers attended job fairs for 40% of opportunities in 2023
  • French job seekers customized resumes for 65% of applications in 2023
  • Mexican job seekers used LinkedIn 3x more in 2023 than 2020

Search Behaviors Interpretation

The modern job hunt is a global digital siege where we relentlessly fire applications into online portals, desperately network on LinkedIn, and increasingly turn to TikTok for wisdom, all while hoping our meticulously customized resume doesn't just become another ghost in the machine.

Skills

  • In 2023, 70% of US job seekers lacked digital skills for remote roles, per LinkedIn
  • Globally, AI literacy was missing in 55% job seekers for tech jobs 2023
  • UK job seekers needed soft skills training, with 48% deficient in communication 2023
  • Australian job seekers had 35% gaps in cybersecurity knowledge 2023
  • EU job seekers required green skills, 42% unprepared for sustainability roles 2022
  • Canadian job seekers showed 28% deficiency in bilingualism for federal jobs 2023
  • Indian job seekers lacked English proficiency in 65% rural applicants 2023
  • US job seekers needed data analytics skills, possessed by only 25% in 2023
  • Brazilian job seekers had low automation adaptability at 30% readiness 2023
  • South African job seekers missed STEM qualifications in 50% youth 2023
  • German job seekers required Industry 4.0 skills, 38% lacking 2023
  • Japanese job seekers needed coding skills, only 20% proficient 2023
  • French job seekers had 45% gaps in managerial competencies 2023
  • Mexican job seekers showed 55% low digital literacy 2023

Skills Interpretation

It seems the global job market is rapidly becoming a high-stakes game of 'skills bingo,' and sadly, a disconcerting number of players are arriving without their cards fully marked.

Sources & References