Job Seeker Trends Survey Highlights Opportunities and Challenges Ahead

As of July 17, 2025, a recent survey conducted by CompTIA unveiled significant insights into the current job-seeking landscape, showing that workers are determined to pursue new opportunities despite the fatigue and frustration often associated with job hunting. CompTIA, a global leader in vendor-neutral information technology (IT) training and certifications, revealed that the increasing desire for career transitions was reflected in their biannual "Job Seeker Trends" report, which was conducted by Morning Consult.

According to the findings, the proportion of active job seekers and career changers has risen to an estimated 34% of the labor force, up from 27% earlier this year in January. This uptick in activity suggests that the hiring environment is showing slight signs of improvement, evident from the rating score increase to an average of 58—a two-point rise from the previous observation. Coinciding with these findings, there is also a noticeable increase in job listings, with employers posting approximately 1.7 million more listings than the previous year, marking a 7% boost in openings.

Diverse Interests Among Job Seekers

The survey also highlighted a shift in the types of careers job seekers are considering. More individuals are broadening their horizons, with five key sectors now at the forefront of interest:

1. Sales, marketing, retail, and real estate
2. Hospitality, food service, tourism, and travel
3. Technology, including IT support, cybersecurity, cloud, data science, and software
4. Manufacturing and production
5. Construction, including skilled trades and architectural roles

With 11 different career categories experiencing increased interest—up from just four—technology careers stood out with the highest growth, rising from 16% to 22%. Although there remains a confidence gap for many potential job seekers in the tech sector, they are aware of strategies to bridge this gap. Industry-recognized certifications emerged as the top avenue for those pursuing technology careers, followed closely by training in high-demand technical skills.

Skill Development Is Key

Interestingly, the desire for skill enhancement isn't limited to individuals actively seeking new employment. Among those who are not currently in search of new jobs, a remarkable 49% expressed aspirations to improve their skills for either career development or maintenance. Additionally, about 90% of workers rated digital fluency as an important asset in the modern job market, along with business skills and specific job-function competencies also receiving high ratings.

Henry Mann, CompTIA's senior director of product development, commented on the situation, emphasizing that workers who invest in expanding their skill sets across various domains are better equipped to thrive in today's dynamic economic landscape. He noted that understanding how businesses operate, grasping foundational technologies, and honing interpersonal skills are integral to success.

To aid in this skill development endeavor, CompTIA recently launched its Essentials Series of learning resources, aimed at helping both technology professionals and business executives enhance their competencies. This educational initiative covers diverse areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and essential soft skills that are vital for today's workforce.

Conclusion

The latest CompTIA survey sheds light on the evolving landscape of job searching, indicating a resilient workforce that is prepared to embrace challenges while seeking new opportunities. As the job market undergoes changes, both employers and employees must navigate the complexities of skills, career aspirations, and the increasing demand for digital proficiency. Stay updated with the latest insights by visiting CompTIA's Job Seeker Trends.