At a time when 45% of Americans say they’re likely to look for a job in the next year (referred to as job seekers), four out of 10 unemployed job seekers report not having a single job interview over the past 12 months, according to the latest ASA Workforce Monitor^® report from ASA and The Harris Poll.

The survey results paint a stark picture of the jobs market at a time when the economy is feeling the lingering effects of historic interest rate hikes:

• 72% of Americans say that applying for jobs feels like sending a résumé into a “black box”
• 60% say the job search process is too impersonal
• 42% of unemployed Americans looking for a job applied to 10 or more job openings in the past year
• 50% of likely job seekers would not accept a job without a remote or hybrid policy in place
• 31% of Americans would not apply for a job opening that required a cover letter

Americans did share a positive view of the staffing industry, with two-thirds of Americans overall and of likely job seekers (67% each) saying that staffing agencies make finding a job easier.

“Far too many job seekers are feeling lost when it comes to effectively navigating the process of finding new employment,” said Richard Wahlquist, chief executive officer at ASA. There’s clearly a disconnect between the expectations of candidates and their understanding of current labor market conditions and of understanding of what employers are looking for. If you want to get hired in today’s environment, you need to stand out from the competition and be flexible.

“Staffing agency recruiters are employment specialists who, without any charge to candidates, will act as a career coach and talent agent—creating relevant and impactful résumés, securing interviews, and helping job seekers gain access to opportunities that they could not find on their own,” Wahlquist continued. “If job seekers feel like their résumés are going into a black hole, it may be because they’re posting the same generic one-click résumé, over and over. You will likely never get your foot in the door, if you don’t take the time to put your best foot forward.”

Don’t miss your chance to get the staffing and recruiting data you need. The association’s quarterly Staffing Employment and Sales Survey for the third quarter of 2024 is open through this Friday, Nov. 22. Participate in the survey and compare how your company is doing with similar-sized companies and firms within your industry sector.

After completing the survey, you will receive an exclusive report on the results, which includes gross margin and sector-level data. Register to take the survey at americanstaffing.net/quarterly-survey. There are no fees to participate.

ASA offers an effective way to get your firm on an upward trajectory in just nine weeks. Staffing Pro Stacks, the newest professional development program from ASA, are built specifically for today’s staffing challenges.

Each module delivers practical, hands-on training to address the challenges that staffing companies are currently facing. There are three programs—focused on Sales, Recruiting, and Leadership. Complete one, two, or all three programs and stack your knowledge for maximum success. Additional programs will be released in the coming year.

Find out more at americanstaffing.net/pro-stacks. Right now you can save 40% using the discount code 40WEBPS at checkout.

The association’s quarterly Staffing Employment and Sales Survey for the third quarter of 2024 is now open. Staffing companies that complete the brief survey by next Friday, Nov. 22, receive an exclusive report on the results, which includes gross margin and sector-level data.

Register to take the survey, or view the questionnaire, at americanstaffing.net/quarterly-survey. If you have questions or did not receive a survey link, email research@americanstaffing.net. There are no fees to participate.

Don’t miss the ASA webinar “2024 Elections: What the Results Mean for the Staffing Industry.” It takes place today from 2 to 3 p.m. Eastern time. ASA vice president of government relations Toby Malara will discuss what’s known about the results of last week’s elections, what is still to be decided, and what it may mean for the staffing industry at the federal and state levels.

All ASA webinars are free for ASA members, and most qualify for continuing education hours toward ASA certification renewal. To learn more and to register, visit americanstaffing.net.

ASA is seeking dedicated members to serve on volunteer committees and councils for terms beginning in 2025. Help ASA advance the industry by becoming a volunteer—the deadline to submit an application has been extended to today, Nov. 8.

In addition, ASA has several short-term volunteering opportunities open—these small, brief actions can result in a significant benefit for you and for the association.

• Be featured in Staffing Success magazine in an ASA-certified member spotlight, or the Member Sound-Off department.
• Be seen as a thought leader on an ASA webinar or other program by entering the ASA panelist pool.
• Submit a member testimonial and share your ASA story.

Learn about all the available volunteer opportunities at asacentral.americanstaffing.net.

ASA provides a resource designed for staffing industry professionals interested in improving professionalism within the industry by serving as a mentor to their colleagues—the ASA Mentor Match platform. Mentor Match allows members on both sides of the mentoring relationship to make valuable industry connections and gain insight from staffing peers.

Submit your application now for the six-month cycle that begins in January—the deadline to apply has been extended to Nov. 8.

Visit americanstaffing.net/mentormatch to get started as a mentor.

After today’s elections, what can staffing firms expect to see from Congress and state legislatures for the rest of 2024 and in the year ahead? One week after Election Day, ASA vice president of government relations Toby Malara will discuss what’s known about the election results, what is still to be decided, and what it may mean for the staffing industry at the federal and state levels during the ASA webinar “2024 Elections: What the Results Mean for the Staffing Industry.” It takes place Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2–3 p.m. Eastern time.

All ASA webinars are free for ASA members, and most qualify for continuing education hours toward ASA certification renewal. To learn more and to register, visit americanstaffing.net.

ASA is seeking dedicated members to serve on volunteer committees and councils for terms beginning in 2025. Help ASA advance the industry by becoming a volunteer—the deadline to submit an application has been extended to this Friday, Nov. 8.

In addition, ASA has several short-term volunteering opportunities open—these small, brief actions can result in a significant benefit for you and for the association.

• Be featured in Staffing Success magazine in an ASA-certified member spotlight, or the Member Sound-Off department.
• Be seen as a thought leader on an ASA webinar or other program by entering the ASA panelist pool.
• Submit a member testimonial and share your ASA story.

Learn about all the available volunteer opportunities at asacentral.americanstaffing.net.

An association is as strong as its volunteers, and we need your unique voice and expertise! ASA is seeking dedicated members to serve on volunteer committees and councils for terms beginning in 2025. Are you ready to help ASA advance the industry? Apply to volunteer by tomorrow, Oct. 31.

ASA also has several short-term volunteering opportunities open—these small, brief actions can result in a significant benefit for you and for the association.

• Be featured in Staffing Success magazine in an ASA-certified member spotlight, or the Member Sound-Off department.
• Be seen as a thought leader on an ASA webinar or other program by entering the ASA panelist pool.
• Submit a member testimonial and share your ASA story.

Learn about all the available volunteer opportunities at asacentral.americanstaffing.net.