According to CompTIA, the global leader in vendor-neutral IT training and certification, job seekers are taking proactive steps to expand their skillsets as they navigate a challenging and uncertain job market. The latest edition of CompTIA’s “Job Seeker Trends” report reveals that 27% of the U.S. workforce, or around 45 million individuals, have actively pursued a new job or career change over the past three months. This trend is consistent with previous research findings by the company, showcasing persistent shifts in employment patterns across the country.
Findings from the Report
CompTIA’s research highlights that those aged 18 to 44 are leading the job-seeking charge, with 45% of people in this age group actively seeking new job opportunities, compared to 27% overall. Despite the labor market uncertainty, which includes concerns about hiring delays and over-spec’ing of job positions, job seekers are optimistic about their prospects. Many are acknowledging the growing mental fatigue of job searching and interviewing but remain committed to enhancing their skills to stay competitive in the evolving job market.
Challenges Faced by Job Seekers
- Job market uncertainty remains a major concern.
- Employer “over-spec’ing” of job positions, which makes job requirements harder to meet.
- Time constraints related to job searching and interviewing, contributing to mental fatigue and frustration.
Despite these challenges, job seekers are determined to stay relevant and competitive.
The Growing Importance of Skill Development
A staggering 89% of job seekers report recognizing the importance of digital fluency skills to succeed in today’s technology-driven workplace. This includes not only essential technical skills but also soft skills, project management, and data analysis. Among the top skills that job seekers aim to develop or improve, the report highlights:
- Business/Professional (soft) skills
- Digital fluency
- Project management
- Data analysis and technical skills
- Cybersecurity knowledge
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Non-active job seekers, those not actively looking but focused on career advancement or retention, share similar intentions to improve their skills to avoid falling behind in an increasingly technology-focused job landscape.
Amy Carrado’s Insights on the Job Market
Amy Carrado, Senior Director of Workforce Research at CompTIA, commented:
“The data confirms that both active job seekers and individuals looking to upskill for career advancement continue to use a variety of tools and approaches to support their progression. Despite the challenges, the abundance of resources available today helps individuals navigate career change and upskilling opportunities more effectively.”
CompTIA Job Seeker Trends Report Methodology
CompTIA’s “Job Seeker Trends” study was conducted in January 2025 via an online survey with a sample of 2,002 respondents. The survey population was split between active job seekers and non-seekers. This diverse sample provided valuable insights into the evolving attitudes and behaviors of individuals in the current job market.
