Instead, it means stiffer competition. Job openings in April fell to their lowest level in more than three years, according to theThere were about 1.2 job openings per unemployed worker in April, down from a ratio of two openings per person about two years ago.
Despite the labor market's current challenges, Richardson says there are still plenty of opportunities for people who want a new and better job.For much of 2023, companies felt like a recession was lurking around the corner and pulled back on hiring as a result — those fears aren't gone yet, says Richardson.because of persistent inflation might limit hiring or take longer to decide on candidates to manage their expenses.
It's natural to have high expectations when searching for a new job. Still, Richardson says tempering those expectations can help you stay motivated and open to a wider range of opportunities, improving your chances of getting hired. There are pockets of strength in hiring, particularly in leisure and hospitality, health care and government where job growth has been steady, BLS data shows.