Hiring has slowed. Layoffs remain low. You’re ready to move, but the market isn’t.
This is not your imagination. It’s not poor timing. And it’s not just you.
We’re in what I call a holding pattern job market. Companies are not firing people, but they are not bringing in new talent either. Many are choosing to wait. They’re watching the economy, assessing costs, and staying cautious.
This has left many job seekers in limbo. Highly qualified professionals are being ghosted. Recent grads are taking roles below their education level. Mid-career workers are stuck in jobs they have outgrown.
If this feels familiar, you are not alone.
Let’s look at what’s really going on—and what you can do about it.
What’s Actually Happening
Here are five data points that explain the current labor market:
Layoffs are near record lows. Only 236,000 Americans filed for unemployment in late June. That number reflects stability. But not growth.
https://apnews.com/article/69f4fda3dc0c7a6053c799f70fc4522e?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Hiring has slowed dramatically. In 2025, the U.S. is averaging 124,000 new jobs per month. That’s a sharp drop from 168,000 last year.
https://apnews.com/article/69f4fda3dc0c7a6053c799f70fc4522e?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Job postings are down. In white-collar fields like IT, law, and finance, listings fell by over 12% year over year.
Recent grads are struggling. The unemployment rate for college graduates aged 22 to 27 is hovering around 5.5%. That is more than a full point above the national average.
https://apnews.com/article/c5e881d0a5c069de08085a47fa58f90f?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Hiring is happening. But slowly. There are over 7.4 million open jobs. The problem is that employers are not in a rush to fill them. The hiring rate is just 3.5%.
This is not a recession. It is a freeze. And it is hitting some sectors harder than others.
The Human Impact
The result is a slow churn job market. People are staying put. Hiring managers are not moving fast. Recruiters are not always responding.
Entry-level professionals are feeling it the hardest. Some are accepting unpaid internships or temporary roles. Others are moving into jobs outside their field just to get by.
Mid-level professionals are finding it hard to pivot. Internal promotions are stalled. External roles are more competitive than ever.
For job changers or returning workers, this environment can feel brutal. It is easy to think something is wrong with your resume or interview skills. But often, it is just timing. Or lack of movement.
Why Employers Are Playing It Safe
Many companies are avoiding risk. They are keeping the people they have. But they are not expanding teams unless they absolutely must.
There are several reasons for this:
Economic uncertainty. Trade policy shifts and global tensions are affecting business confidence.
AI and automation. Many white-collar functions are being restructured. AI is taking over junior tasks in fields like software, writing, and analytics.
Budget constraints. After rapid post-COVID hiring, companies are tightening spending. They are not overstaffed. But they are no longer in growth mode.
Ghost jobs. A percentage of postings online are not real. They exist to collect resumes or keep up appearances.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_job?utm_source=chatgpt.com
The result is a holding pattern. The planes are still in the air. But few are being cleared to land.
What You Can Do About It
This is where strategy comes in. You cannot control the market. But you can control your approach.
Here are five things to focus on:
1. Position Yourself for ROI
Your resume needs to read like a business case. Focus on outcomes. Not just responsibilities. Show the value you created in past roles. Be specific.
2. Network Intentionally
In a slow market, networking is not optional. It is your best chance to uncover real openings. Reach out to old colleagues. Talk to recruiters. Get active on LinkedIn.
3. Upskill in Real Time
Short-term training can be a strong signal. Learn tools that matter to your industry. Even one certificate in AI, analytics, or workflow automation can help you stand out.
4. Be Selective and Strategic
Do not spray and pray. Focus your energy on roles that align with your skills. Customize your materials for each role. Keep a clear and narrow focus.
5. Manage the Long Game
You do not need 50 interviews. You need one offer. Keep your energy up. Track your progress. Take breaks when needed. This is not a sprint.
Your Career Is Still in Motion
Even in a holding pattern, you are not grounded. You are preparing. You are making moves behind the scenes. You are building momentum.
When the market shifts again, and it will, you want to be ready. With the right resume. With the right relationships. With the right mindset.
If you need help getting ready, that is what I do.
Have you felt this shift in your job search? Let’s talk. Share your story in the comments or reach out if you’re ready to build a strategy that fits the real market we’re in.
#jobsearchstrategy #careercoaching #resumeadvice #labormarket #holdingpatternjobs