Job seekers are growing increasingly pessimistic about their prospects, with more than one-third now saying their chances of finding quality work have worsened compared to a year ago, according to new survey data released Tuesday.
The quarterly survey by Aerotek, a staffing firm serving manufacturing and construction industries, found 34% of job seekers believe their job prospects have declined — a 14-percentage-point jump from the first quarter. The survey of more than 2,600 recent job applicants reveals mounting challenges in a tightening labor market.
Economic concerns top the list of barriers preventing job seekers from reaching their career goals, with 55% citing the economy as their biggest obstacle. Employment gaps have also become a more pressing concern, with 16% identifying breaks in their work history as their primary challenge — up 10 percentage points from the previous quarter.
Searches taking longer, requiring more applications
The data shows job searches are stretching longer, with 34% of respondents spending at least six months looking for work. More than a quarter expect to submit 50 or more applications before landing a position, representing a slight increase from earlier in the year.
Companies appear to be slowing hiring processes and keeping existing workers longer, contributing to the shift in worker sentiment from the optimism recorded in Aerotek’s first-quarter survey.
Skills development becomes key factor
Despite the challenging market, job seekers maintain high expectations for professional development. Nearly three-quarters of respondents expect employers to provide opportunities to learn new skills, and more than 25% have quit jobs due to insufficient skill development opportunities.
Leadership topped the list of desired soft skills, with 29% of job seekers wanting to improve in this area. For technical skills, 48% expressed interest in enhancing field-specific abilities such as machinery operation, welding or electrical work.
“Our latest survey data shows that despite economic uncertainty and longer job searches making the labor market more challenging, job seekers remain focused on developing new skills to improve their prospects,” said Bill Ruff, vice president of strategic sales at Aerotek. “Employers who invest in training and development will be best positioned to attract and retain top talent in this evolving landscape.”
Implications for employers
The findings suggest employers may need to adjust retention strategies as worker expectations around professional development continue to rise. This is particularly relevant for industries facing skilled labor shortages as experienced workers approach retirement.
The survey targeted job seekers who applied for positions since March 2025 in manufacturing, robotics, automation, facilities maintenance, distribution, logistics and construction sectors. Respondents were located in the United States and Canada and completed the survey in April 2025.
Aerotek operates more than 200 offices across North America and serves over 14,000 clients annually as part of Allegis Group, a global talent solutions company.
