Revealing the Hidden Talent Crisis

While employers search for qualified candidates, a surprising truth emerges: the talent you need is actively searching too—but systemic barriers are preventing meaningful connections.

In an era of unprecedented access to information and connectivity, young professionals should be navigating their career journeys with confidence. Yet our landmark study of over 2,000 young adults reveals a critical disconnect that’s reshaping the talent landscape.

Our groundbreaking findings expose a talent ecosystem in need of transformation:

  • 1 in 4 young adults can’t find jobs in their desired career paths
  • Nearly 2/3 of talent are still unsure about their career direction
  • 43% feel isolated or unsupported when navigating their careers, despite today’s hyperconnectivity
  • 62% aren’t working in their intended careers after school—highlighting a disconnect between education and outcomes
  • Young adults without degrees (28%) and in rural areas (32%) are even more likely to be struggling

Traditional career pathways are evolving faster than ever. New roles emerge while others transform, creating a landscape where linear career progression is increasingly rare. Yet the navigation tools, mentorship, and support structures haven’t kept pace with this evolution.

What some employers perceive to be a gap in talent’s abilities is actually a gap in resources.

This research presents both a challenge and an extraordinary opportunity. Today’s talent isn’t passive—they’re actively seeking clarity and direction. Forward-thinking organizations are responding by engaging early, providing genuine guidance, and building relationships long before hiring needs arise.

Those are the employers who will win the next generation of talent.

Inside “The Resource Gap” Report

Our comprehensive study of over 2,000 young adults (ages 18-30) provides actionable intelligence that can transform your early talent recruitment strategy:

  • Discover when and how to connect with talent before your competitors
  • Uncover the real barriers preventing qualified candidates from finding your opportunities
  • Understand what motivates this generation beyond traditional incentives
  • Identify the resources early talent actually uses to make career decisions

Why This Matters for Your Organization

Forward-thinking employers aren’t waiting for talent to be “job-ready” — they’re proactively building relationships with potential candidates years before graduation. This report gives you the strategic roadmap to:

  • Transform reactive hiring into strategic talent acquisition
  • Develop robust talent pipelines that transcend seasonal recruitment cycles
  • Connect with candidates before they’ve formed impressions about your industry
  • Design more effective outreach that resonates with today’s early career professionals
Graphic that says "Employer Insight: More than half of talent (54%) is actively exploring and thinking about their future career paths, but are not yet decided on a specific job or field."
Employers should invest time and
resources to connect with this talent
group early on, as they have not yet
decided on a career path and could be
open to new opportunities and fields."

Get Ahead of Chance: Download the Full Report

Don’t leave your talent pipeline to chance. Complete this form to download “The Resource Gap: Insights on Young Professionals’ Critical Career Decisions” and gain exclusive access to the complete findings, strategic recommendations, and actionable insights that can transform your early talent recruitment approach.

By providing your information, you’ll also receive periodic updates about early talent trends and recruitment strategies. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Transform Uncertainty into Strategy

Don’t leave your talent pipeline to chance. Tallo helps you move beyond reactive hiring to build intentional pathways that connect you with early, untapped talent.

Our platform gives you access to nearly 2 million emerging professionals across diverse backgrounds. By connecting early, you can build relationships with qualified candidates before your competitors even know they exist.

With Tallo, you can:

  • Develop early talent pipelines that ensure a steady flow of qualified candidates
  • Connect with talent based on skills and potential, not just credentials
  • Access insights that help you make strategic hiring decisions with confidence
  • Create meaningful connections that turn into long-term workforce solutions

If we want to build a future where people are seen for their skills and potential, and employers can access the talent they need, we can’t afford to wait.