The majority, or 88%, of youth across the Asia Pacific region believed that they have the requisite skills needed to enter the working world but more than 90% of them are "anxious" about their ability to secure a job upon completing their education, according to a study from logistics provider Deutsche Post DHL Group.

The study saw close to 950 responses from young people above 15 years of age across seven countries: Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.

The majority, or 95%, acknowledged that the Covid-19 pandemic is affecting the process of job hunting.

Despite this, there is a sense of confidence as well as optimism among these youth: 88% of them believe they are ready to enter the job market, with more than 70% indicating that they expect to land a job in less than six months upon completing their education.

When evaluating an offer, the "opportunity to learn and be challenged" at a job came up top in factors to consider followed closely by "job security", where nearly 20% of respondents indicated as crucial.

Meanwhile, 38% of the youth surveyed regarded traditional methods such as internships to be useful in helping them land a job although recommendations from mentors and teachers are equally considered to be key enablers. Online job portals were viewed as the least useful channel due to the lack of the personal connection afforded by working as an intern or a validation by a contact, the study found.

Christoph Selig, Vice-President, sustainability communications and programs, DPDHL Group said, "Job uncertainties and insecurities abound as most economies in the region continue to battle different waves of Covid-19 even as the pandemic starts to recede with the availability of vaccines. Whilst this inevitably impacts the hiring roadmap for businesses across multiple industries, it is heartening to see our youth recognizing the challenges ahead, but yet remain optimistic about their own aptitude and abilities to secure a job upon completing their education."