U.S. job seekers are divided on the future of the labor market in 2025, with 33% expecting a decline in job opportunities within their fields, 29% anticipating growth, and 38% predicting no significant change, according to a January 8 report from Express Employment Professionals. Despite mixed expectations, 51% of job seekers remain optimistic about finding a job easily in the next six months, while 49% foresee difficulties.
Bill Stoller, CEO of Express Employment International, emphasized that navigating the job market will require resilience and adaptability. He encouraged job seekers to remain proactive and open to continuous learning to seize opportunities in uncertain times.
The report also highlights a decline in confidence, with 61% of job seekers believing they’ll secure a new job within six months, down from 66% in spring 2024 and 69% in fall 2023. Employed job seekers are primarily motivated by the desire for better compensation, growth opportunities, and improved work-life balance. Women, in particular, cited compensation and work-life balance as key factors for seeking a new role.
Job seekers face various barriers to employment, including a lack of hard or soft skills, applying to companies with non-hiring job postings, and being underqualified. Generation Z and millennial workers are more likely to report a lack of hard skills as a significant challenge.
Although December’s strong jobs report could indicate a “soft landing” for the job market in 2025, economists caution that other indicators of economic strength remain weak or in decline. Additionally, new policies from the incoming presidential administration may significantly influence the job market.
For many Americans, career growth is driven more by job hopping than waiting for promotions. A Kickresume report found that only 17% of workers were promoted by their current company in the past five years.
Job seekers also express dissatisfaction with certain aspects of job ads. According to a StandOut CV report, references to hustle culture, lack of salary information, and minimal annual leave are major turn-offs. Conversely, job seekers are more attracted to listings that include clear information about qualifications, work hours, benefits, and job titles.
