As Egypt continues to grapple with economic challenges, unemployment has become increasingly difficult for workers to overcome. Losing a job is no longer a temporary setback of a few months—it can now stretch into one or two years without new opportunities.

In 2024, the national unemployment rate stood at 6.6%, with nearly 32 million people out of work. Youth were the most affected, recording an unemployment rate of 14.9%, while female youth faced an even sharper challenge, with unemployment reaching 37.1%.

These figures not only reflect a heightened fear of job loss but have also pushed employees to adopt a more cautious approach to their careers, avoiding major shifts once established and often accepting lower pay or less-than-ideal working conditions.

EGYPT’S JOB MARKET

24-year-old Zeina Abdelrahman works in marketing and has been at her organization for the past three years – and it’s not because she loves her company. 

Abdulrahman has been applying for jobs for the past year and a half but has yet to secure a position, a struggle she attributes to an oversaturated market.

“Every job posting on platforms like LinkedIn or Wuzzuf already has hundreds of applicants, making it harder to stand out among so many candidates,” she said.

She added that certain requirements make the search even more difficult. “Entry-level positions are asking for a minimum of three years of experience. In my industry, they also expect one person to handle five different job descriptions for the pay of a single role.”

Somia Afifi, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Premier Services and Recruitment, notes that Egypt’s job market is highly competitive right now.

“There are definitely opportunities, but most of them are concentrated in certain sectors like IT, outsourcing, real estate, and telecommunications. The challenge is that the number of people looking for jobs is much higher than the number of openings available,” she says.

Afifi added that this is particularly difficult for fresh graduates or those looking to switch careers, as companies are becoming more demanding—requiring not only a degree, but also strong technical skills, proficiency in English or other languages, and some level of experience.

Similarly, Nada Maher, Talent Acquisition Supervisor at MEVAC for Vaccines, expands on the hurdles, noting that one of the main challenges lies in Egypt’s market dynamics, shaped by a troubled economy and industry-specific obstacles.

“Certain fields are oversaturated, while others are actively hiring. This external factor can stretch or shorten the job search timeline regardless of a candidate’s abilities,” she explains.

High competition among the youth population is another significant factor, as hundreds of applicants may apply for a single vacancy, making it extremely difficult to stand out.

PERSONAL CONNECTIONS

Afifi points to several factors that make finding jobs that much more tiring a process. “Economically, with inflation and the currency situation, many companies are cutting budgets or freezing hiring, so there are  fewer openings to begin with.”

“For candidates, one of the biggest hurdles is the gap between their skills and what the market actually needs. On top of that, in Egypt, connections and networking still play a big role,” she adds.

Similarly, Maher also stresses the outsized role of networking in Egypt’s job market, pointing out that having the right connections or professional network can make all the difference. “Some people get fast-tracked through referrals, while others have to rely solely on online applications, which can take much longer,” she adds.

Abdulrahman says that the less polite way of putting it is that many job opportunities in Egypt are largely dependent on ‘wasta’, where you have to rely on personal connections within a company to get your foot in the door.

“While it’s not right, it’s the reality of finding jobs in Egypt, especially as a fresh graduate with no experience to lean on. It’s something my friends and I had to rely on when we first graduated to land our first jobs.”

LOWERING EXPECTATIONS

“Desperation for a steady job has led many of us to overlook unfavorable conditions in our current workplace or accept them in other job offers,” notes Abdulrahman.

She explains that the lack of medical or social insurance, unpaid overtime, difficulty taking annual leave, low salaries, and more have now become the norm in such a competitive and limited market.

“An oversaturated market means you’re replaceable. Employees are afraid to ask for what they deserve, fearing that companies will always find someone else desperate enough to accept whatever little is offered,” she adds. 

Afifi notes that job seekers are becoming more flexible in hopes of securing jobs. 

“A lot of them are willing to shift careers, even into areas they didn’t originally study, just to get started. For example,  someone with an engineering or business background might move into HR, sales, or  customer service.”

She explains that many employees are also turning to online courses or certifications to keep up with market needs and secure a competitive edge.

“At the same time, a lot of people are accepting lower salaries or less favorable conditions, at least temporarily, because it’s better than staying unemployed given the current economic situation.”

Maher explains that nowadays, flexibility is an upper hand many job seekers are willing to utilize. “Candidates who are open to relocation, different industries, or broader roles usually find opportunities faster than those who stick to very narrow requirements.”

Maher explains that many candidates, not just fresh grads, are compromising when it comes to pay and working conditions. 

“Inflation and rising living costs in Egypt push people to accept salaries below their expectations or to agree to fewer benefits (such as less medical coverage or no transportation allowance) in exchange for stability or a steady income.”

She notes that social background also plays a crucial role. “Those from privileged circumstances can afford to wait longer for the “right” opportunity, while others feel pressure to take the first available option just to secure financial stability.”

In addition, some job seekers are shifting into temporary or freelance roles or even switching industries entirely as a way to adapt.

A MINI-GUIDE

Afifi advises job seekers in Egypt not to rely solely on applying for jobs online.

“In Egypt, a big part of the process is networking — talking to people, building a strong LinkedIn profile, and getting referrals can make a huge difference,” she says.

She also highlights the importance of continuing to learn while searching for jobs, even through free courses, in order to stay up to date and add value to one’s CV.

“And finally, try not to lose hope if it takes time. Even if the first job you land isn’t your dream role, it can still be a good step forward toward where you want to go.”

Maher points out that fresh graduates are also divided in how they respond to the challenges of finding a job.

Some are highly focused and motivated, pursuing extra courses, certifications, and training to upskill themselves — viewing it as an investment to stand out in a competitive market. 

Others are quick to become discouraged or put in less effort, often due to financial constraints, lack of awareness, or the belief that holding a degree alone should be enough.

“There’s no single rule for how people adapt,” Maher explains. “Everyone has their own priorities, resources, and mindset when it comes to career development.”

However, she keeps her advice to job seekers brief and straightforward: work on self-branding, learn how to market yourself, and build strong connections.

She stresses the importance of maintaining and updating LinkedIn and Wuzzuf profiles, creating a solid CV, and staying active in line with market demands. At the same time, she warns candidates to remain cautious about job offer scams or individuals charging money to create so-called ‘ATS-friendly’ CVs.