The coffee chain Espresso House reported receiving over 10,000 summer job applications, according to a message circulating on social media. This surge in applications has resulted in significant surprise, particularly regarding how businesses manage to sift through such a high volume of submissions effectively. Despite having already begun reviewing applications during the application period, Espresso House indicated that the latest selections would still take some time, as they are committed to finding the right candidates among a competitive field.

In its job post published in January, Espresso House stated it was looking to hire around 50 summer employees across Finland. The opportunities also targeted youths over 16 years of age, as the company aims to provide employment to younger demographics. The application process concluded in February, and with such an overwhelming number of applicants, the statistics reveal that only about 0.5% of applicants will be offered positions, showcasing a highly competitive job market for seasonal employment.

Comparatively, applications for openings at the University of Helsinki's medical school revealed a 2.85% acceptance rate from applicants in data from Spring 2025. Such numbers underline the challenge faced by applicants in securing summer jobs amidst a high volume of competitors, especially in industries with limited positions available. The dynamics of this situation highlight not only the demand for summer jobs but also the unique difficulties companies face in recruitment during peak application periods.