Why Canadian Job Seekers Are Worrying About 2025: The Surprising Truth
TORONTO, Jan. 08, 2025 — In a surprising twist, nearly half of Canadian job seekers (46%) are bracing themselves for a tougher job market in 2025, according to a recent survey conducted by Express Employment Professionals. This marks a notable jump from last year’s findings, when only 31% expressed concerns about dwindling opportunities.
What’s even more telling? A mere 18% of those seeking work are holding out hope for an increase in job openings this year, while about one-third (36%) believe the landscape will remain static compared to 2024.
Reflecting this uncertainty, almost two-thirds (62%) predict a challenging road ahead in their job hunt over the next six months. Only 38% feel optimistic about easily landing a position during that timeframe.
Here are some eye-opening highlights from the survey:
- Job Search Duration: Only 56% of job seekers feel they can secure a job within six months—a stark drop from 63% last year. Meanwhile, 44% anticipate a longer search, up from 37% in the previous year’s survey.
- Motivations for Job Change: For those currently employed, the top reasons to seek new opportunities include better pay (43%), improved work-life balance (41%), and greater growth potential (36%).
- Job Preferences: A whopping 75% of Canadian job seekers are open to full-time roles, while 40% would consider part-time positions. Additionally, 28% are willing to take on freelance contracts, and 21% are open to temporary or seasonal work.
- Challenges: Job seekers are facing significant hurdles, including finding roles that align with their skills (57%), securing positions that meet their financial needs (49%), and standing out in a crowded market (46%). Interestingly, women report greater difficulty in landing jobs that pay enough to cover expenses (55% vs. 44% of men) and in differentiating themselves (51% vs. 42% of men).
- Barriers: The biggest barriers cited by job seekers include a lack of necessary skills (39%), companies that advertise job openings but merely collect resumes (34%), and feeling underqualified (28%). Gen Z individuals are particularly likely to feel underqualified, with 43% citing it as a major hurdle compared to 25% of millennials, 30% of Gen X, and just 10% of boomers.
Despite the prevailing challenges, there’s a glimmer of positivity regarding wage growth: 37% of job seekers anticipate an uptick in earnings in 2025, while 51% expect wages to hold steady. Notably, a staggering 73% of job seekers are ready to leave companies with inadequate pay or benefits, and 84% would think twice before recommending such employers to friends.
Enhancing Career Marketability
As we kick off the new year, January is the perfect moment for job seekers to reassess their career ambitions and hone their skills for better marketability, according to industry experts. Alisha Chappell, a director at Express Employment, suggests:
“Dive into job postings for roles that catch your eye to identify any skill gaps. Consider enrolling in online courses or obtaining certifications to fill those gaps and boost your expertise.”
“Don’t overlook your soft skills either! While technical know-how is essential, many employers are eager to train individuals who display a willingness to learn, punctuality, positivity, and strong communication abilities.”
Make sure to showcase these attributes in your resume and cover letters, increasing your chances of shining in a competitive job landscape.
“Navigating the job market in 2025 calls for resilience and adaptability,” says Bill Stoller, CEO of Express Employment. “In this shifting environment, those who stay proactive and embrace lifelong learning will uncover opportunities, even in uncertain times. Success hinges on leveraging your unique strengths and being ready to pivot as the market evolves.”
Survey Methodology
The Job Seeker Report was conducted online in Canada by The Harris Poll for Express Employment Professionals from Nov. 21 to Dec. 6, 2024, involving 505 adults aged 18 and older.
For detailed survey methodology or to discuss the findings, please contact the designated representative.
About Express Employment Professionals
At Express Employment Professionals, we’re all about empowering people. From job seekers to businesses, we help individuals thrive and companies grow. Our vast network of franchises provides tailored staffing solutions to communities across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, employing hundreds of thousands globally.
