Entry-level job market faces rising hurdles and AI impact

The entry-level job market is undergoing significant shifts driven by rising expectations for junior roles and the integration of artificial intelligence. In Hungary, experts note that while shortages persist in engineering and finance, competition is intensifying in other graduate fields. Many students are entering the workforce with significant internship experience, sometimes performing mid-level tasks by graduation, yet they face cautious hiring practices due to economic constraints and budget limitations.

In Romania, a survey by eJobs indicates that 55.9% of job seekers aged 18 to 24 believe AI has reduced the number of available junior positions. Approximately 75% of this demographic reports increased difficulty in finding employment compared to the previous year. Key obstacles identified include the requirement for prior experience even for entry-level roles, low wages relative to living costs, and a lack of feedback from employers. Common skill gaps reported by candidates include technical tool proficiency, higher education language skills, and soft skills such as presentation and stress management.