How to Navigate Labor Market Slowdowns and Market Volatility

The U.S. job market is showing undeniable signs of volatility—and both job seekers and employers need to adapt if they want to win: 📉 Slowing but steady growth: According to the May 2025 BLS report, monthly job gains have averaged around +139K (on par with last year) while the unemployment rate remains at ~4.2%. Meanwhile, Indeed shows job postings are still ~10% below their March 2022 peak – though they remain above pre‑pandemic levels. 🔄 Quits & caution: The quits rate has dipped to roughly 2.1% (matching lows not seen since 2015), signaling that candidates are staying put—holding out for higher confidence or better roles. ⏳ Hiring lag: Time-to-hire has stretched to an average of 12 weeks, up from 11 in March. Many roles now face drawn-out interview processes and ghosting, frustrating job seekers. What this means 👇 For job seekers: Cast a wide net. With fewer openings and slower turnover, you’ll need more shots on goal to find the right fit. Sharpen your pitch and tailor your resume—targeted applications are key. For hiring teams: Speed matters. A faster, more transparent hiring process can prevent losing top candidates. Even in uncertain times, a strong employer brand and clear communication set you apart. ✅ Final take: The market might feel “lukewarm” right now—but that’s not an excuse to freeze. Candidates should stay proactive and ready. Employers should streamline and engage. If both sides move thoughtfully and swiftly, they can navigate volatility and achieve strong outcomes. What’s your experience been lately—more speed or more stalls? Share your insights below! 👇 #jobmarket #volitility #speedwins #adapt

Job Hunting in a Slow Market? Here’s What You Should Be Doing Now Over the last few months, I’ve noticed a slowdown in accounting and finance hiring in Houston. Fewer LinkedIn announcements, fewer offers being extended, and an overall decline in open positions. As an external recruiter, I see firsthand how shifts in the market impact job seekers—especially those who aren’t prepared for a more competitive landscape. If you’re in the job market (or thinking about making a move), here’s my best advice: 🔹 Be Proactive, Not Reactive – Don’t wait until you need a job to update your resume and LinkedIn. Keep your skills and accomplishments current so you’re always ready for the right opportunity. Make sure what is on your resume matches what is on Linkedin(employers will check). 🔹 Stay Connected – Relationships matter even more in a tighter job market. Stay in touch with recruiters, hiring managers, and industry peers. Attend events, engage with posts, and make sure people remember your name when opportunities arise. 🔹 Differentiate Yourself – When competition increases, standing out is key. Be prepared to clearly articulate your impact—how you’ve saved money, improved processes, or driven results. Employers want problem-solvers, not just job seekers. 🔹 Be Flexible – If full-time roles are scarce, consider contract work, consulting, or pivoting into adjacent industries. Getting in the door is sometimes more valuable than waiting for the “perfect” role. 🔹 Upskill & Adapt – Whether it’s data analytics, financial modeling, or AI-driven finance tools, the more skills you bring, the better positioned you’ll be. 🔹 Manage Expectations – Hiring is slowing down, and processes are taking longer. Patience and persistence are crucial. Keep applying, keep networking, and don’t let a few rejections discourage you. Recruiting has always been about timing, and in a shifting market, timing becomes even more important. Happy to answer questions about the Houston market and would like to know what you're seeing as an Accounting or Finance candidate in Houston. #TalanceGroup #houstonjobmarket #accountingandfinance