Factors That Have Made the Job Market More Difficult in 2026 (Reduced Headcount COGS):

  Factors That Have Made the Job Market More Difficult in 2026 (Reduced Headcount  COGS):

The job market is stagnant at the lower levels of organizations because their is a lack of new opportunities available as headcount reductions are a priority for companies, (esp. public companies) that are looking to make their Wall Street numbers.  Companies are also trying to figure out the effects of tariffs on the costs of goods (COGS) that they bring to market.  These uncertainties are complemented by "job hugging", which affects the natural flow of job openings (people are not leaving their jobs because new opportunities are not as readily available).  All told, too many candidates, not enough job openings, not only affect movement but also allow recruiters to be more selective in hiring.