homepage | Job Seekers Have Lost Some Leverage But They Can Strengthen Their Position
October 10, 2023
October 10, 2023
Sponsored by Employ Direct Group.
Just like the weather, the US job market is cooling off in some sectors while also still retaining some heat.
Employers added 336,000 jobs in September according to figures released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly double the 170,000 estimated by economic experts. August numbers were revised to reflect that 227,000 jobs were created instead of 187,000 previously reported.
Competition for hiring and talent acquisition remains tight. The unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.8 percent, up from 3.5% in September of 2022, but relatively steady throughout 2023.
In short, there remains a historically low unemployment level. Employ Direct Group Chief Executive Officer Lydia Johnson notes that there are less jobs being added in certain sectors and a leveling off as fewer people are leaving their jobs.
“Nearly every industry is experiencing some kind of hiring challenge at this time. We’ve seen the tech industry go through sweeping layoffs over the course of the last year, and many employers are planning to provide fewer job openings and new hirings,” Johnson says. “This isn’t the case for every industry and those that plan fourth quarter hirings include: information technology, financials/real estate, communication services, healthcare/life sciences, and energy/utilities.”
The most recent report from BLS mirrors her forecast. In September, job gains occurred in leisure and hospitality; government; healthcare; professional, scientific, and technical services; and social assistance.
For instance, healthcare added 41,000 jobs in September, compared with the average monthly gain of 53,000 over the prior 12 months. Recovery from pandemic employment losses in the industry indicates that healthcare employers continue to seek skilled workers.
Healthcare training programs available from UMKC TalentLink and MedCerts can prepare people interested in an entry-level job in fields such as surgical technologist, medical coding, and phlebotomy technician.
Elsewhere, employment showed little change over the month in other major industries, including construction, manufacturing, wholesale trade, financial activities, and other services. Job demand holds steady in these sectors.
Job seekers interested in manufacturing may take online courses for CNC, robotics, aerospace, and more through UMKC TalentLInk and WorkForge to attain key skills.
The Great Resignation has ended this far into 2023, prompting job seekers to reassess their position.
“Job seekers have lost the unprecedented leverage they had during the pandemic. If you have been impacted by layoffs or are looking for a position change, be ready to be competitive and present your best self,” Johnson advises. “Give your resume a polish. Give time and thought to your short- and long-term goals. Treat your public social media profiles like a visual cover letter, making sure that they are an appropriate complement to your resume.”
Looking ahead toward year-end and the winter season, Johnson suggests networking to build new contacts and reconnect with established relationships.
“Take the time to reach out to contacts in your social sphere who may be able to help you find or get an interview for the job you desire. Use the holidays as an excuse to communicate while also getting a leg up on the competition. Many job seekers will fall out of the race or at least slow down during this time with plans to ramp back up in the new year,” Johnson says.
Boosting your resume and confidence by learning new skills also prepares job seekers to be market ready.
“It is always a good idea to add new skills and competencies to your resume,” Johnson says. “This will help your resume standout and may cause you to be more qualified than other competitors for the position you are seeking. Get a jump start on your end of the year job hunting now by taking a training here or here.”
Employ Direct Group places talent nationwide in all fields and professions from entry-level to executive. Core competencies include Direct Hire, Contract to hire, Temporary, and Temporary to Hire positions.
EDG delivers the market’s top talent to employers. “We value the importance of learning our client’s business, goals, corporate culture, and specific personnel/skill requirements and addressing their needs with a customized recruitment plan,” says Johnson.
Employ Direct Group is invested in a company’s needs to foster a supportive, diverse, and inclusive work culture that prioritizes employee satisfaction.
“Our flexible approach and partnership with UMKC TalentLink demonstrates our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of a company’s workforce,” Johnson says.
The first step begins with finding skilled talent. Companies with skilled employees stay agile, prioritize employee well-being, and reap the rewards of a more engaged, motivated, and productive team. Johnson says, “Every new solution we create is to help you find, hire, and manage great talent.”