Three in ten working-class Brits have been forced to give up on a job hunt – as one in four believe they are overlooked due to their social status, research has found.
More than a third (35%), of adults in social grades C2 to E, are “desperate” to secure a job in their chosen career, according to the poll of 1,600 working-class Brits.
But more than half (54%) have ended up giving up on their dream, and instead opting for “whatever they can get”.
The top reasons for this include almost a quarter (23%) finding it difficult to do themselves justice in a CV or covering letter.
And 27% of those who have ever looked for work feel a lack of interview experience has hindered them.
Almost half (44%) believe they have to try harder than others to reach their goals – with 18% being held back by having limited access to a computer or the internet.
Commissioned by Samsung, the study found that despite such hurdles, 39% claim to have an “entrepreneurial spirit”, but fear they don’t know how to apply it – suggesting guidance from an expert could make all the difference.
Toni Tone, content creator and author of Take Note: Real Life Lessons, said: “For me, the key to success is in the planning.
“Do your research, make notes, plan effectively – without my calendar alerts on my smartphone, I wouldn’t be able to run my business.”
It also emerged more than half (53%) find job hunting overwhelming – with 30% finding it so hard-going at one time or another, they’ve given up on their pursuit of a new role.
Nearly four in ten (39%) revealed they don’t know where to start when it comes to looking for work.
And greater self-belief would help – as 32% said having more confidence would motivate them to go for the job they really want, rather than settle for something else.
Just under three in ten (29%) also admitted knowing how to craft important interview documents – like covering letters or CVs – would help.
And internet access, or access to reliable tech such as a working computer, would make all the difference for 24%.
Carried out through OnePoll, the study found 42% aspire to change the direction of their career, but worry they don’t have the right skills to do so.
Toni Tone, who is hosting a Samsung entrepreneurial masterclass, in partnership with charity Dress For Success Greater London, said: “As long as you stay on top of the preparation and have that fire in your belly to keep going, the rest will follow.”
