Job Seekers Expect Tough Six Months Ahead

Express Employment Professionals reports that 54% of U.S. job seekers expect it will be difficult to find work in the next six months, based on a survey conducted with The Harris Poll. The staffing company found that 41% of job seekers are actively looking for a new role, while 82% are focused on full-time positions. Pay, qualifications and competition are the main barriers respondents identified. Rising prices are also influencing job decisions for 89% of job seekers.

Pay And Qualifications Lead Concerns

Finding roles that match their qualifications was the most commonly reported challenge, cited by 46% of job seekers. Another 44% said finding work that pays enough to cover basic expenses is difficult, while 41% pointed to competition in the job market.

Automated hiring processes were a concern for 31% of respondents, who said they can make it harder to feel heard by people. The same share said employers that claim to be hiring but only collect resumes make the search more difficult. Overqualification was cited as a barrier by 28%, and 22% said underqualification was a barrier.

Current Jobs Also Raise Worries

Among employed people searching for work, 37% were concerned about not receiving the salary increase or raise they deserve. A further 31% feared fewer work opportunities because of the economy, and 30% were worried their employer could reduce its workforce because of economic conditions.

Technology or AI negatively affecting their role was a concern for 25% of employed job seekers. Quality-of-work issues were also motivating searches: 41% wanted better work-life balance, 40% sought stronger growth opportunities in their current industry, and 37% hoped to find or negotiate better compensation.

Clear Hiring Expectations Matter

The survey was conducted online in the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between May 19 and June 8, 2026. It included 1,000 adults age 18 and older who were employed and looking for a new job, or not employed and looking for work. More research from the company’s America Employed series is available through its newsroom.

“The job search may feel difficult, but that does not mean the market is standing still. Job seekers are being more intentional about what they want, and employers should be just as intentional about what they offer. Clear expectations, realistic qualifications and strong communication can help turn a challenging search into the right match.”