Don't Regret Your First Job Change! The Reality of Job Hunting in Your 20s and Tips for Success 2026

Tanaka, in his early 20s, kept browsing job change sites and closing them, carrying a vague anxiety about whether staying at his current company was the right choice. He has things he wants to do, but doesn't know where to start. That state has continued for several months.

Based on the latest survey data released in August 2026, this article introduces specific examples of what was "good to have done" and what "should have been done" in a first job change. To cut to the conclusion, the most important thing in a first job change is the initiative to just apply, and carefully comparing multiple job listings. According to a survey by En Job Change, the top "good to have done" for a first job change was "actively applying by just giving it a try" at 31%, and the top "should have done" was "comparing and considering a large number of job listings" at 19%.

This article digs deeper into these survey results, thoroughly explaining how to proceed with a job search without regrets, specific steps, and answers to questions you may encounter during the process, in a Q&A format.

【Conclusion】For a first job change in your 20s, start by applying to job listings that catch your interest. According to the En Job Change survey, the top "good to have done" was actively applying by "just giving it a try" (31%). Time spent hesitating is wasted. Taking that first step and comparing multiple job listings is the shortest route to a job change without regrets.

The Current State of the Job Market for People in Their 20s: Is It Really a Super Job-Seeker's Market?

In 2026, the job market for people in their 20s remains a "super job-seeker's market" that is highly favorable to job seekers, against a backdrop of serious labor shortages. Companies place a high value on the "youth" and "growth potential" of people in their 20s, and there are many job openings that accept applicants with no experience.

However, just because the market is favorable doesn't mean everyone can easily succeed. According to a survey by Tsunaguba, even among those who have a clear idea of the "job they want to do," approximately 43.9% answered that they "don't know how to go about finding a job." In other words, the current reality is that many people in their 20s are hitting a wall of "how to search" rather than "what they want to do."

To overcome this wall, the following three points are important.

1. Balance between gathering information and self-analysis

If you feel that your "desired job" is not clear, rather than spending time on self-analysis first, it is effective to actually browse job listings. By looking at job openings in various industries and occupations, you can start to see what interests you and what kind of work you could put effort into.

2. Compare and consider multiple job openings

According to a survey by En Tenshoku, the number one answer for "what you wish you had done" was "comparing and considering a large number of job listings." If you narrow down to just one job opening, you run the risk of missing out on other attractive options.

3. Just try applying

If you wait until you have perfect preparation before applying, you will never get started. The attitude of "just try applying," which ranked number one for "what was good to have done" in the En Tenshoku survey, is important. By applying to job openings that interest you, you may discover your suitability and preferences through the interview process.

Source: En Tenshoku User Survey (August 2026)

3 Steps to Avoid Regretting Your Job Change

From here, based on the survey results, we will explain step by step how you should take action.

Step 1: Start by Applying to Jobs That Catch Your Interest

As a first step, don't aim for perfection—try applying to jobs that catch your interest. By applying, you'll gain a clearer picture of how your skills and experience are valued in the market, and what kind of work you're genuinely interested in.

Step 2: Consider Multiple Job Openings in Parallel

Rather than focusing on a single company, it's recommended to always consider around 3 to 5 job openings at the same time. This allows you to compare the conditions and atmosphere of each company, increasing the likelihood of finding a workplace that truly suits you.

Step 3: Reduce Post-Hiring Gaps in Advance

According to a survey by Ragusas, there is a more than twofold difference in the experience of post-hiring gaps between those in their 20s and 30s who are considering a job change and those who are not. The most common gap is "the role expected after joining the company."

To reduce this gap, it's important to clearly ask about "the role expected after joining" and "specific job responsibilities" during the interview. Additionally, if possible, it's also effective to get a feel for the actual atmosphere through casual meetings with employees or office tours.

Source: Ragusas Co., Ltd. survey (June 2026)

How to Approach a Job Change: Basic Strategies to Prepare While Still Employed

If you're changing jobs for the first time in your 20s, the basic approach is not to rush into resigning, but to prepare and proceed while still employed. While you're employed, you can conduct your job search with a stable income, reducing the risk of accepting unfavorable conditions out of desperation.

Using a Recruitment Agency

Recruitment agencies support your job search from a professional perspective, including introducing non-public job openings, reviewing your resume and work history, and providing interview preparation. If you're feeling anxious about your first job change, we recommend registering with one first.

Self-Analysis and Company Research

While receiving support from a recruitment agency, let's proceed with self-analysis and company research in parallel. In self-analysis, clarify your strengths, weaknesses, and non-negotiable conditions. In company research, investigate the company's vision, business content, and corporate culture, and confirm whether you can envision yourself working there.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Is it disadvantageous to challenge an industry with no experience when changing jobs in your 20s?

In your 20s, there are many job listings that accept applicants with no experience, and this is a period when potential-based hiring is active. According to a survey by en-tenshoku, actively applying by simply trying out is key to success. Even without experience, if you can clearly communicate your strengths and willingness to learn, you have plenty of opportunities to take on the challenge.

Q2. When should I start my job search?

Rather than starting after you have decided to quit, the basic approach is to start while still employed. Begin by gathering information and registering with agencies to understand market trends. It is said that a job search takes about three months on average, so it is important to proceed with a well-planned schedule and plenty of leeway.

Q3. What is the most important point when choosing a new employer?

According to a survey by en-tenshoku, "comparing and considering a large number of job listings" is key to avoiding regret. Instead of narrowing down to a single listing, comparing multiple options increases the likelihood of finding a workplace that truly suits you.

Q4. How can I prevent gaps after joining a company?

According to a survey by Ragus, the most common gap is "the role expected after joining." It is important to ask detailed questions during interviews about the specific job content, evaluation criteria, and career path after joining, in order to eliminate any mismatch in expectations.

Q5. Should I register with multiple job change agencies?

It is recommended. By registering with multiple agencies, you can access more non-public job listings and receive advice that leverages each agency's strengths. However, if the volume of contact becomes too much, consider narrowing down to the agencies that suit you best.

Q6. What is the number one thing people wish they had done during their job search?

According to a survey by en-tenshoku, "comparing and considering a large number of job listings" ranked first (19%). This shows that not fixating on a single option and considering various companies with a broad perspective leads to a job change without regret.

Q7. What is the biggest secret to succeeding in your first job change?

The secret to success seen from the survey results is the initiative to "just try applying." By not hesitating and actively applying to job listings that interest you, you expand your chances of encountering a job that suits you. Then, thoroughly comparing multiple listings and asking questions to reduce gaps after joining is the path to a job change without regret.

Summary: Things You Can Start Today to Make a Job Change Without Regret

After reading this article, Mr. Tanaka decided to take the first step and apply to a job posting that caught his interest. He felt that even without perfect preparation, taking that first step would broaden his possibilities.

Here are three key points to avoid regret in your first job change:

1. Just apply first: If a job posting catches your interest, don't hesitate—apply.
2. Compare multiple job postings: Don't narrow down to just one option; consider a wide range of choices.
3. Reduce post-hiring gaps: Clearly confirm the expected role during the interview.

Changing jobs is a big decision, but with the right information and initiative, you will surely find a path that suits you. Why not start your job search today?

Risk Warning: Changing jobs is a decision that can greatly change your life. Conduct thorough research and self-analysis to make a choice you won't regret. The information in this article is based on publicly available survey data and does not recommend any specific job change.

Methodology: This article aggregates publicly available data from official survey results and news sources verified on 2026-08-26. The editorial team has not personally conducted this survey. For our editorial policy, see our methodology. Affiliate disclosure: Some links are affiliate links — we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Compensation does not influence rankings; see our editorial policy.

FAQ

Is it disadvantageous to challenge an industry with no experience when changing jobs in your 20s?

In your 20s, there are many job openings that accept applicants without experience, and it's a time when potential-based hiring is active. According to a survey by En転職, taking a proactive approach of applying first is key to success. Even without experience, if you can clearly communicate your strengths and willingness to learn, you have plenty of opportunities to take on the challenge.

When should I start my job search?

Rather than starting after deciding to quit, it's basic to start while still employed. Begin with gathering information and registering with agencies to understand market trends. Since job hunting is said to take about 3 months on average, it's important to proceed with a well-planned schedule and plenty of time.

What is the most important point when choosing a new job?

According to En転職's survey, "comparing and considering a large number of job listings" is key to avoiding regret. Instead of focusing on a single job, comparing multiple options increases the likelihood of finding a workplace that truly suits you.

How can I prevent gaps after joining a company?

According to a survey by Ragus, the most common gap is "the role expected after joining." It's important to ask detailed questions during interviews about specific job content, evaluation criteria, and career paths after joining to eliminate any discrepancies in expectations.

Is it better to register with multiple job change agencies?

Yes, it's recommended. By registering with multiple agencies, you can access more non-public job listings and receive advice that leverages each agency's strengths. However, if the volume of contact becomes too much, consider narrowing down to agencies that suit you.

What is the number one thing people wish they had done during their job search?

According to En転職's survey, "comparing and considering a large number of job listings" ranked first (19%). This shows that not fixating on a single option and considering various companies with a broad perspective leads to a job change without regret.

What is the best secret to succeeding in your first job change?

The secret to success seen from the survey results is the proactive action of "just apply first." Don't waste time hesitating—actively apply to jobs that interest you to broaden your chances of encountering the right fit. Then, thoroughly compare multiple job listings and ask questions to reduce gaps after joining—that's the path to a job change without regret.

Sources & Verification

This article was fact-checked on 2026-08-26. Key claims:

• "The best thing to do when changing jobs for the first time was 'taking a proactive approach to applying' at 31%, the highest percentage" — verified via https://corp.en-japan.com/newsrelease/2026/45208.html on 2026-08-26
• "The thing people wished they had done was 'comparing and considering many job listings' at 19%, the highest percentage" — verified via https://corp.en-japan.com/newsrelease/2026/45208.html on 2026-08-26
• "A survey of 322 people in their 20s on their job search criteria found that even among those with a clear idea of the work they wanted, approximately 43.9% answered 'I don't know how to search'" — verified via https://www.iza.ne.jp/pressrelease/prtimes/RVKRHGPU6VJW7MLYPAPOV73XWM/ on 2026-08-26
• "There is a gap of more than double in the sense of post-hiring discrepancy between those in their 20s–30s who are considering a job change and those who are not. The most common was 'the role expected after joining'" — verified via https://www.jiji.com/jc/article?g=prt&k=000000372.000072123 on 2026-08-26