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Job Seekers’ Conflicting Feelings Toward New Roles—Employment Insights from Express

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Express Employment Professionals’ America Employed and Canada Employed press series explore the state of employment in North America, including everything from hiring expectations and HR challenges to job seekers’ optimism and shrinking the skills gap. Learn about the latest insights uncovered in a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey. 

Job seekers view the labor market with mixed emotions amid mounting challenges. The majority believe the road to landing a job will be harder than ever.

US Job Seekers Say Finding Work Will Be Harder This Year

Fifty-eight percent of job seekers expect it will be more difficult to find a job in the next six months, and 37% believe there are fewer opportunities compared to a year ago, a sharp decline from 48% in 2025.

The intensity of job searches is shifting. Currently, 42% of job seekers report actively looking for a new job, up from 35% in the spring of 2024 but slightly down from 44% in the spring of 2025. This trend suggests a market where urgency is rising but caution remains.

Why are employed job seekers looking to make a move?

  • 42% want better growth opportunities within their current industry.
  • 41% are seeking the work-life balance they’ve been missing.
  • 36% cite the need to negotiate better compensation.
Infographic showing circular charts and illustrated profile cards. The title reads “U.S. Hiring Managers Increasing Their Number of Employees.” For 2024: First Half 63%, Second Half 60%. For 2025: First Half 63%, Second Half 58%. For 2026: First Half 66%. The “America Employed” logo appears with a red star. At the bottom is a source note about the Job Insights survey. On the right are illustrated profile cards featuring cartoon people with different skin tones and hairstyles beside a gold coin icon.

Canadian Job Seekers Expect Higher Wages

Seventy-two per cent of job seekers expect it will be difficult to find a job in the next six months, which is in line with six months ago (74%), but significantly higher than the same time last year (62%). Half of job seekers (48%) also believe there are fewer job opportunities in their field compared to a year ago, similar to last year (46%).

At the same time, 39% anticipate overall wages will increase in 2026 compared to 2025, up slightly from last year (37%). Interestingly, 16% are willing to accept positions below their most recent pay level, up from 11% last year.

Top concerns about staying in their current job:

  • 40% worry about not getting the salary increase they deserve.
  • 27% fear a slowdown in work opportunities.
  • 24% are concerned about losing their job if the economy declines.
Infographic showing circular charts and illustrated profile cards. The title reads “Canadian Hiring Managers Increasing Their Number of Employees.” For 2024: First Half 49%, Second Half 49%. For 2025: First Half 51%, Second Half 43%. For 2026: First Half 44%. The “Canada Employed” logo appears with a red maple leaf. At the bottom is a source note about the Job Insights survey. On the right are illustrated profile cards featuring cartoon people with different skin tones and hairstyles beside a gold coin icon.

“As the job market continues to evolve, success will come to those who stay focused, flexible, and proactive,” said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President, and Chairman of Express Employment International. “Job seekers who invest in their skills, remain open to new opportunities and clearly communicate their value will be best positioned to thrive and find the right fit in 2026.”

Read more about the latest employment insights in America Employed at ExpressPros.com and Canada Employed at ExpressPros.ca. 

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