Over half (56.5%) of automotive professionals lack confidence about their career prospects, according to new research by UK job board CV Library.

The study of 2,000 professionals also found that while over two thirds (69.9%) felt confident about finding a job, over half (55.6%) don’t feel confident enough to apply for them.

This lack of confidence has fed through to 44.4% feeling as though they wouldn’t ask for a pay rise and 44.4% wouldn’t ask for a promotion.

Lee Biggins, founder and chief executive of CV-Library, said: “Confidence is such an important asset in all areas of life, but particularly so in the workplace.

“After all, when employees feel there is no direction to their careers or don’t have clear goals to work towards, it can stifle productivity, diminish job satisfaction and ultimately, impact your bottom line as you struggle to retain experienced members of staff.” 

The survey went on to ask whether automotive workers felt a lack of confidence had held them back in other areas, with a third (33.3%) of professionals stating that it had prevented them from taking part in an extracurricular activity, such as joining a sports club.

Biggins said it was important that businesses introduce regular one to one reviews to make sure the lines of communication are open to get the ball rolling on career progression.

He said: “Alongside this, ensure that you mention career progression opportunities in your job adverts, as this can certainly help to attract more applicants to your roles.”