The 2026 Job Market: Supporting Job-Seekers in a Changing Hiring Landscape
Job-seekers face a widening gap between skills-based hiring promises and real-world hiring practices. Automated screening and credential bias continue to limit visibility for qualified candidates. This guide provides workforce and community partners with data-backed insights to align programs with demand and strengthen career advocacy that leads to real employment outcomes.
Get the latest hiring dataTurn Job Market Trends Into Hiring Wins
Navigate the Degree Disconnect: Learn why fewer than 1 in 700 hires involved candidates without a degree and how to help your members bypass this barrier.
Focus on Growing Sectors: While some sectors are stalling, specific essential roles are projecting urgent 40-60% growth rates. Get the data to ensure your training curriculum aligns with where the stable jobs actually are.
Validate Soft Skills: Understand why 92% of hiring professionals prioritize behavioral skills and learn how to vouch for the trust and reliability AI can’t replace.
Get the latest hiring dataEmpower Your Organization and Your Members
Validate Your Funding: Equip your team with the concrete job market data necessary to demonstrate your program’s impact and justify resource needs to stakeholders and grantors.
Boost Hiring Wins: Shift your career advocacy strategy to navigate the “black hole" of modern Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and risk-averse hiring manager behavior.
Prove Program ROI: Evolve from enrollment metrics to placement outcomes by ensuring your curriculum and coaching directly address the gaps in the current hiring landscape.
Get the latest hiring data