Factors That Have Made the Job Market More Difficult in 2026:

 Factors That Have Made the Job Market More Difficult in 2026 (Current Events):

I talk to numerous people on a daily basis about the job market and the general state of economic, social and political issues (domestic and foreign). Bear in mind that the issues of the day affect the job market. Whether it be social unrest in Minnesota, political turmoil in the Middle East or crazy wildfires in California (no - there are no wildfires at the moment), the world stops and people panic (employers are people too). When people panic, they slow down and become conservative with making decisions, become fixated with the events / issues and stop spending money. For the most part, this is short-term and when the "dust settles" the markets reverse.

Right now, with all the uncertainty of the first 28 days of 2026, there has been so much change and anxiety that the job market has been affected. This is the slowest January in the 10+ years I have been writing resumes. This will eventually lift - it is an unusual part of the cycle. It is not just the job market, but all consumer and business spending in general.