A NEW study has revealed that more than three quarters of jobseekers in Yorkshire say the job search has led to a downturn in their mental wellbeing.

With the UK starting 2021 in lockdown, the study revealed an overwhelming majority of jobseekers have been negatively affected by their search for work over the past year, with 76 per cent of people surveyed in Yorkshire and the Humber attributing a downturn in their mental wellbeing to their job search.

The research, commissioned by BT to launch Stand Out Skills, also showed that the average jobseeker in Yorkshire and the Humber has unsuccessfully applied for 13 different roles over the past 12 months.

When asked how rejections and the job search had affected them, 35 per cent of jobseekers responded they had experienced decreased motivation, while 42 per cent highlighted lower self-esteem and morale and a further 43 per cent a reduction in self-confidence.

BT’s research also highlighted how this lack of confidence persists throughout the job search. Just 16 per cent of those surveyed are confident their CV and covering letter will stand out when compared to fellow candidates, while just 17 per cent believe in their ability to impress and leave a lasting impression in an interview.

This has led to jobseekers hiding details of their job search from their closest friends and family, with 29 per cent keeping job applications secret in case they are rejected and a further 39 per cent being concerned about what family or friends will think of the rejection.

Added to the difficulties jobseekers already face, the research also went on to show that 43 per cent of those surveyed in Yorkshire and the Humber admitted to struggling to find resources which could help them in their job search, including how to improve their CV and job interview technique.

As part of BT Skills for Tomorrow, which aims to help 10 million people in the UK make the most of life in the digital world, BT has launched Stand Out Skills. This initiative provides jobseekers of all ages with free tips, resources and advice to support them in building their confidence and help them stand out in the job search. BT has teamed up with experts and celebrities including Bradford-born TV presenter Anita Rani, comedian Iain Stirling and Brighouse-born Drag Queen Divina De Campo to release free advice across different stages of the job search, such as how to stand out when applying and in interviews.

Hannah Cornick, head of Digital Impact and Sustainability at BT, said: “The global pandemic has had far-reaching consequences for the job market, and it’s only natural that jobseekers’ confidence will have been affected. BT remains more committed than ever to its Skills for Tomorrow programme, and to ensuring that people have the skills they need to flourish in an increasingly digital world. This is why we have launched Stand Out Skills, to help those looking for work build their confidence by providing them with the necessary tools and resources they need to get ahead of the competition and stand out in their job search.”