TORONTO, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The labour market is sending mixed signals, and Canada’s job seekers are taking notice. Workers are bracing for a tougher road ahead with many already making moves and adapting their job search strategy.
The latest Express Employment Professionals–Harris Poll survey paints a clear picture: a large majority of job seekers (80%) believe employers have the upper hand in today’s market. Almost three-quarters of job seekers (72%) say the current state of the job market makes them feel like they have to settle for less than they’re qualified for. In addition, almost two-thirds (62%) are less willing to negotiate salary or benefits due to fear of a recession.
These perceptions are fueling action. More than one-third of job seekers (38%) are actively looking for a new job, but optimism is in short supply:
- 74% believe it will be harder to find a job in the next six months, up sharply from 62% in fall 2024.
- 56% say there are fewer job opportunities in their field than a year ago, a significant increase from 46% in fall 2024.
And for some, the timeline feels daunting: More than 2 in 5 job seekers (42%) expect it will take more than six months to find a job, signaling growing anxiety about the future.
Challenges Ahead
Finding the right fit remains a big hurdle. More than half (54%) …