Mixed Feelings Among Job Seekers About Opportunities in 2025 Job Market

Mixed Sentiments in the 2025 Job Market

As we step into 2025, the U.S. job market presents a complex picture, according to a survey conducted by Express Employment Professionals and Harris Poll. The survey reveals that sentiments among U.S. job seekers are quite divided concerning the current and future job landscape.

Overview of Job Seekers’ Opinions

The survey indicates a notable split among job seekers about the availability of positions in their desired fields. Approximately one-third, specifically 33%, believes that the number of job opportunities has declined compared to the previous year. In contrast, 38% feel that the opportunities remain largely unchanged, while 29% maintain that there has been an increase in available positions. These findings highlight a varied landscape where perceptions of the job market can differ significantly from one individual to another.

Job Search Challenges

In addition to differing opinions on job availability, job seekers are also split on the ease of finding employment within the next six months. Slightly over half, 51%, express optimism, asserting that obtaining a job will be straightforward. Conversely, 49% expect challenges ahead. This ongoing divide parallels sentiments collected during the spring of 2024, indicating a sustained ambivalence about entering the job market.

The current survey showcases a decline in confidence regarding the time it might take to secure a new position. Only 61% believe they’ll find employment within six months, down from 66% in spring 2024. This represents a significant drop from 69% just a few months earlier in fall 2023.

Motivations and Preferences for Job Change

The motivations for seeking new employment among job seekers also reveal insight into current workforce priorities. The results showed that a considerable number of employed individuals are searching for better compensation (40%), improved growth opportunities (38%), and a more favorable work-life balance (33%). Interestingly, employed female job seekers show a stronger inclination than their male counterparts to prioritize better pay and work-life balance in their job searches.

When examining the type of positions applicants are willing to consider, full-time roles are the most sought after, with 79% open to them. However, only a smaller percentage is interested in part-time (35%), contract/freelance (24%), temporary/seasonal (19%), or entry-level positions (18%).

Main Challenges and Employment Barriers

Job seekers identified several prominent challenges in their job search, including finding opportunities that align with their qualifications (51%), securing positions that meet their financial needs (44%), and distinguishing themselves in a competitive job market (40%). Notably, Millennials and Generation X individuals report greater difficulty in making themselves stand out compared to their Gen Z and Baby Boomer peers.

Barriers impacting employment prospects include lacking essential hard and soft skills (40%), companies that are merely collecting applications rather than actively hiring (34%), and candidates feeling underqualified (23%). This is particularly true for Gen Z and Millennials, who are more prone to report a lack of hard skills as a critical barrier.

Optimism for Wage Growth

Amid the challenges faced in the job search, a sense of optimism regarding wage growth persists among job seekers, with 46% anticipating an increase in overall wages for 2025. Moreover, readiness to take action against companies failing to meet expectations concerning benefits and compensation is evident, with 83% of job seekers indicating they would be hesitant to recommend such companies, and 78% suggesting they would likely leave immediately.

Improving Career Marketability

January is often regarded as an opportune moment for job seekers to reevaluate their professional goals and enhance their skills. Alisha Chappell, Director of Talent Acquisition and Retention at Express Employment, encourages candidates to review job postings to identify any skill gaps. Pursuing online courses or certifications can be crucial in bridging these gaps.

“In addition to specialized skills, employers value soft skills like a positive attitude and effective communication. Highlighting these on resumes can significantly increase one’s chances in a competitive environment,” she states.

Conclusion

As Bill Stoller, CEO of Express International, articulates, navigating the job market in 2025 requires adaptability and resilience. Those job seekers who remain proactive and open to continuous improvement will undoubtedly find opportunities in this dynamic landscape. It's imperative for individuals to leverage their unique strengths and be ready to adapt as market conditions evolve.

Methodology

The Job Seeker Report was conducted online in the United States by Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from November 21 to December 10, 2024, involving a sample of 1,039 adults aged 18 and older. For a comprehensive overview of the survey methodology, please reach out to the company's communications team.