GET AHEAD OF CHANCE
Bridging The Resource Gap in Early Talent Acquisition
New Research Reveals Critical Insights on Young Professionals’ Career Decisions
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.
What’s Inside the Report
“The Resource Gap” is based on a comprehensive study of over 2,000 young adults (ages 18-30) conducted in 2024. This newly released research provides valuable insights into:
- The timing of career decisions and when young talent forms perceptions about potential employers
- Key barriers preventing qualified candidates from connecting with relevant opportunities
- Motivating factors that drive career choices beyond traditional incentives
- Information sources that early talent actually uses when making career decisions
The report examines differences across education levels, geographic locations, and career progression stages, revealing important nuances in how diverse talent navigates career pathways.
Why This Matters for Recruitment
The findings in this newly released report highlight significant opportunities to improve how organizations connect with early talent:
- Rethinking talent acquisition by moving beyond reactive hiring to more proactive approaches
- Engaging with candidates earlier in their career exploration and decision-making process
- Crafting more relevant messaging that addresses the actual concerns of today’s early career professionals
- Expanding talent pools by understanding how to reach candidates who traditional methods might miss
These insights provide a foundation for organizations to develop more effective strategies for identifying, attracting, and developing the next generation of talent in an increasingly competitive landscape.
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.
