Toronto Job Seekers Say Hiring System Failing Professionals and Students Alike

The Toronto job market poses significant challenges for job seekers across various age groups. Candidates, both seasoned professionals and recent graduates, find themselves facing prolonged job searches, an overwhelming number of applications, and minimal feedback from potential employers. This troubling situation is marked by the juxtaposition of an increasing supply of job seekers and a hiring system that often discourages meaningful human interactions.

Challenges for Older Professionals

Older workers encounter unique hurdles in their job searches. Many express concerns about age discrimination and some feel pressured toward early retirement, even after long tenures in their careers. Ed Wight, a 60-year-old Toronto resident, offers insight into these struggles. After losing his position as a Senior Support Manager at a hospitality software firm during layoffs in November 2023, Wight has been navigating a challenging job market for two years.

Despite extensive experience, including 30 years in his field, Wight has submitted nearly 700 job applications and only secured two interviews. He reports applying for various roles, from driving jobs to seasonal positions, indicating a willingness to shift away from his industry for financial security.

An Emotional Toll

The emotional weight of job hunting impacts Wight significantly. He notes how the lack of hope can sometimes make getting out of bed a daunting task. This narrative is common among older applicants, who often feel overshadowed by younger candidates in a competitive job market.

Students Feel the Pressure

Young job seekers are equally impacted. Grace Bashall, a fourth-year student at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), began her search for work in December. The overwhelming response to openings means she faces competition from thousands of applicants, even for entry-level roles.

• Grace has submitted close to 300 applications without many responses.
• She cites AI-driven screening processes as a significant barrier, reducing opportunities for personal connections.

Her fellow TMU student, Manroop Aulakh, echoes similar frustrations. After months of searching for minimum-wage employment, she reports that rejection notices are scarce, leading to feelings of isolation and tedium in the process.

High Unemployment Rates in Toronto

Experts highlight that Toronto’s unemployment rate remains above the national average, currently around 8%, compared to the national rate of 6.5%. This disparity can be attributed partly to a younger demographic influx into the city, creating increased competition for jobs.

Meena Dube, a technology recruiting specialist at Canadian employment agency Robert Half, explains that many companies paused hiring due to market uncertainty. However, a shift in this trend is beginning to emerge, with companies recognizing a need to adapt to current economic realities.

The Future of Toronto’s Job Market

As the job landscape evolves, it is crucial for job seekers and employers alike to foster personal connections in hiring processes. Both older professionals and young graduates deserve consideration beyond their resume and experience. Finding effective solutions is essential to improve the hiring landscape and ensure inclusive opportunities for all candidates.