ONS figures latest release: How to land entry-level jobs in a tough market

If you’re a young person or career-starter looking for an entry-level job in 2025, you’ve probably noticed it feels harder than it should. Many “starter” roles now demand two years of experience, hundreds of people are applying for the same post, and permanent offers seem thin on the ground. Instead, there are more short-term contracts, quicker (or absent) rejections, and job ads with skill lists that seem far above the pay.

This isn’t just your imagination. The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data shows vacancies have dropped for the 37th quarter in a row, hitting their lowest point since April 2021. Unemployment is at 4.7% – the highest in four years – and payroll jobs have been shrinking for six months straight. In short, there are fewer entry-level jobs to go for, and more people chasing them, meaning employers can afford to be pickier.

Where entry-level jobs still exist

Despite the slowdown, some industries are still hiring; though they might not be the first choice for everyone starting out:

• Construction and engineering: showing modest growth in permanent vacancies.
• Public sector: from healthcare to local government, hiring remains steady, with wages rising faster than in the private sector.
• Temporary and blue-collar work: smaller declines, particularly in logistics, manufacturing, and warehousing.

If you’re open to these areas, they’re your quickest route into work. But if you’ve got your sights set on more competitive sectors, you may need a different tactic.

The stepping-stone approach to entry-level jobs

A stepping-stone role is an adjacent entry point into the industry you want to be in. It’s not your dream role, but it keeps you earning while building skills, contacts, and insider knowledge that help you move up when opportunities appear.

Some examples:

• Want fashion retail? Apply for logistics, supply chain, or merchandising assistant jobs within fashion brands.
• Interested in media? Start in admin, customer support, or IT for a broadcaster or production company.
• Eyeing marketing? Look for research assistant, data entry, or content support roles.
• Dream of tech? Begin in helpdesk, quality assurance, or project coordination roles.

Why this works

Stepping-stone entry-level jobs give you:

• Industry experience without waiting months for a “perfect” vacancy.
• Professional networks that can lead to internal moves.
• Transferable skills employers value when you apply for your target role.
• A salary now, so you can progress without financial stress.

The long game

The job market moves in cycles. Competitive sectors will eventually hire more, and when they do, those already working in adjacent roles will be first in line. Right now, the direct path to many entry-level jobs is crowded, but the stepping-stone route is wide open and taking it could be the smartest career move you make.

Support from Limitless CIC

At Limitless CIC, we know the first steps into work can be the hardest especially in a competitive market. That’s why we focus on giving career starters and disadvantaged young people the tools, confidence, and connections they need to succeed. From one-to-one mentoring and CV guidance to skills workshops and employer introductions, we help young people find not just any job, but the right stepping-stone to build a future on. Our approach is about more than landing a role; it’s about creating momentum, resilience, and a clear path towards long-term career goals.