Majority of Job Seekers Face Challenges in Finding Employment Due to Rising Costs and Competition
According to a recent survey by Express Employment Professionals in collaboration with Harris Poll, the job market presents significant challenges for many Americans seeking employment. The findings indicate that a staggering 54% of job seekers anticipate facing difficulties in securing a job over the next six months. This statistic sheds light on the mounting competition, rising living costs, and widespread economic uncertainties affecting job seekers today.
The survey reveals that 41% of U.S. job seekers are actively pursuing new employment, with 82% focused on securing full-time positions. Notably, these figures remain constant since the fall of 2025. The pressures job seekers feel stem primarily from three main factors: the necessity to find employment that aligns with their qualifications (46%), the urgent need for salaries that meet their basic living expenses (44%), and the competitive nature of the job market (41%). Moreover, many job seekers report frustration when navigating automated hiring processes, with 31% feeling unheard during their search.
The experience of searching for a job can often feel daunting and uncertain. Many candidates express dissatisfaction with companies that appear to be hiring but only collect resumes without any real intention to interview. Nearly one-third of job seekers cite this as a barrier preventing them from finding their next opportunity. Others note that their experiences, whether being overqualified (28%) or underqualified (22%), hinder their chances in the current job market.
For those currently employed, fears about salary, job security, and overall economic conditions heavily influence their job search. Among the employed job seekers, top concerns involve not receiving the expected salary increases (37%), the potential for reduced opportunities due to economic downturns (31%), and uncertainty surrounding company layoffs (30%). Additionally, about 25% fear that the rise of technology and AI may negatively impact their roles in the future.
Nevertheless, the motivations to explore new job opportunities are not solely related to fears and uncertainties. Many individuals are actively searching for better work-life balance (41%), more growth opportunities within their sectors (40%), and improved compensation packages (37%). A significant driver of these searches is increasing living costs, with nearly nine out of ten respondents acknowledging that rising prices have influenced their decisions to pursue new roles. Among these, 63% indicate that the impact is either moderate or substantial.
Bob Funk Jr., the CEO of Express Employment International, emphasizes the importance of intentionality in both job seekers' and employers' approaches to the job market. "The job search may feel challenging, but that does not imply the market is inactive," he said. "Candidates are being more deliberate about their career goals, and employers should mirror that intention by offering clear expectations and realistic qualifications. Effective communication is crucial to ensuring mutual understanding and, ultimately, finding the right match."
For additional insights and trends regarding the American workforce, visit ExpressPros.com/Newsroom.
The Job Seeker Report was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals, with data collected from May 19 to June 8, 2026. The survey included 1,000 adults aged 18 and older, who are either employed but looking for a new job or unemployed and seeking work. For further details on the survey methodology, please reach out to the Director of Corporate Communications via their designated email.
Robert (Bob) Funk Jr. serves as the Chief Executive Officer, President, and Chairman of Express Employment International, a leading staffing franchise established in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Under his leadership, the company provides workforce solutions across various industry sectors, leveraging a robust international network to cater to local staffing needs. Since its inception, Express has successfully aided in the employment of over 11 million individuals worldwide.
At Express Employment Professionals, our focus is on connecting job seekers with client companies. With a dedicated network of franchises, we offer localized staffing solutions to communities in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. For more information, please visit ExpressPros.com.
The survey reveals that 41% of U.S. job seekers are actively pursuing new employment, with 82% focused on securing full-time positions. Notably, these figures remain constant since the fall of 2025. The pressures job seekers feel stem primarily from three main factors: the necessity to find employment that aligns with their qualifications (46%), the urgent need for salaries that meet their basic living expenses (44%), and the competitive nature of the job market (41%). Moreover, many job seekers report frustration when navigating automated hiring processes, with 31% feeling unheard during their search.
The experience of searching for a job can often feel daunting and uncertain. Many candidates express dissatisfaction with companies that appear to be hiring but only collect resumes without any real intention to interview. Nearly one-third of job seekers cite this as a barrier preventing them from finding their next opportunity. Others note that their experiences, whether being overqualified (28%) or underqualified (22%), hinder their chances in the current job market.
For those currently employed, fears about salary, job security, and overall economic conditions heavily influence their job search. Among the employed job seekers, top concerns involve not receiving the expected salary increases (37%), the potential for reduced opportunities due to economic downturns (31%), and uncertainty surrounding company layoffs (30%). Additionally, about 25% fear that the rise of technology and AI may negatively impact their roles in the future.
Nevertheless, the motivations to explore new job opportunities are not solely related to fears and uncertainties. Many individuals are actively searching for better work-life balance (41%), more growth opportunities within their sectors (40%), and improved compensation packages (37%). A significant driver of these searches is increasing living costs, with nearly nine out of ten respondents acknowledging that rising prices have influenced their decisions to pursue new roles. Among these, 63% indicate that the impact is either moderate or substantial.
Bob Funk Jr., the CEO of Express Employment International, emphasizes the importance of intentionality in both job seekers' and employers' approaches to the job market. "The job search may feel challenging, but that does not imply the market is inactive," he said. "Candidates are being more deliberate about their career goals, and employers should mirror that intention by offering clear expectations and realistic qualifications. Effective communication is crucial to ensuring mutual understanding and, ultimately, finding the right match."
For additional insights and trends regarding the American workforce, visit ExpressPros.com/Newsroom.
Survey Methodology
The Job Seeker Report was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals, with data collected from May 19 to June 8, 2026. The survey included 1,000 adults aged 18 and older, who are either employed but looking for a new job or unemployed and seeking work. For further details on the survey methodology, please reach out to the Director of Corporate Communications via their designated email.
About Bob Funk Jr.
Robert (Bob) Funk Jr. serves as the Chief Executive Officer, President, and Chairman of Express Employment International, a leading staffing franchise established in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Under his leadership, the company provides workforce solutions across various industry sectors, leveraging a robust international network to cater to local staffing needs. Since its inception, Express has successfully aided in the employment of over 11 million individuals worldwide.
About Express Employment Professionals
At Express Employment Professionals, our focus is on connecting job seekers with client companies. With a dedicated network of franchises, we offer localized staffing solutions to communities in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. For more information, please visit ExpressPros.com.
Topics General Business）
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