Group 1 - The job market in 2025 was particularly challenging for unemployed Americans, with economists and job seekers noting significant difficulties [1] - Applicants faced numerous obstacles, including 'ghosting' by recruiters, a competitive job pool, age discrimination, and AI screening of résumés [2] - Hiring rates in 2025 were the weakest since 2003 outside of recession years, with only 50,000 new jobs added in December, falling short of expectations [4] Group 2 - Concerns about job security were prevalent, with 55% of Americans worried about potential layoffs, reflecting a surge in layoffs totaling over 1.2 million, a 58% increase from 2024 [5] - Major companies, particularly in the technology sector, experienced significant workforce reductions, with firms like Microsoft, Amazon, and Verizon laying off large numbers of employees [6] - Business uncertainty was heightened due to fluctuating trade policies and tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, leading to hesitance in hiring [6]

U.S. employers had 7.1 million job openings in November, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said Wednesday. That was a decrease from 7.4 million in October, the fewest since September 2024, and below the 7.6 million openings forecasters had expected, according to a survey of economists by Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal. There was less than one job for every unemployed worker, with the ratio slipping to 0.9 from 1:1 in September. It was the lowest ratio since 2021. Related Education Understandin ...