Career Experts Warn of Slow Job Market Amid Low Unemployment Rates

Hiring stalls despite stable layoff levels, making job search difficult for graduates and experienced workers alike. The U.S. job market is proving challenging for job seekers, particularly recent college graduates, as employers reduce hiring at a pace not seen in over a decade.

Career coach and finance expert Mandi Woodruff-Santos summed up the situation bluntly: “The job market is kind of trash right now.” Despite a national unemployment rate of 4.2% in May and historically low layoff rates, hiring activity has slowed significantly.

Job application | Source: Pexels

The pace of employer hiring in April was the weakest since August 2014, excluding the early pandemic period. Additionally, the rate at which employees voluntarily quit their jobs—a key indicator of worker confidence—has dropped below pre-pandemic levels.

“This is an ‘abundance of caution economy’ where businesses are only filling critical positions,” said Heather Long, chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union. “It will be a tough summer for anyone looking for full-time work.”

Economic uncertainty appears to be driving employer hesitation. CEO confidence dropped sharply in Q2 2025, with only 28% of executives expecting to expand their workforce, according to The Conference Board. Economist Cory Stahle of the Indeed Hiring Lab warned that prolonged weakness could ultimately lead to higher unemployment: “The steady erosion in the US job market cannot continue forever.”

Man in an interview | Source: Pexels

Woodruff-Santos emphasized the importance of networking to stand out in the current environment. “You need to put yourself in situations where you may not know anybody... and to feel confident and OK doing that,” she advised. She also encouraged job seekers to maintain skills through training, certifications, or contract work.

Offering reassurance, she added, “The job market has been trash before... and you’re going to be OK.”