Today is Giving Tuesday, a day dedicated to celebrating the power of generosity. As a vital part of the staffing community, your support has the power to transform the lives of emerging leaders and provide access to the professional tools and resources they need to grow and succeed.

The ASA Foundation is committed to creating and supporting opportunities that make a real difference in the lives of individuals within the staffing industry—like the Women in Leadership scholarship program, which helps talented women in staffing unlock their full potential and reach new heights in their careers.

Support the staffing industry by helping to ensure that these programs continue to thrive—make a donation at americanstaffing.net/foundation.

The Staffing Industry Playbook, an annual economic analysis of the staffing industry, has just been released by ASA. This year’s edition is bigger and better than ever—with more than double the data—to help you understand where the U.S. staffing and recruiting industry is now, evaluate where it’s headed, and customize your strategic planning appropriately.

Go to americanstaffing.net/playbook to learn what you need to know about the U.S. economy and the staffing and recruiting industry—and find out how you can make the most of this business intelligence. The newly expanded playbook website features downloadable graphics, videos, and more.

Staffing employment inched down during the week of Nov. 11–17, with the ASA Staffing Index decreasing by 0.2% to a rounded value of 89. Staffing jobs were down 11.4% compared with the same week last year, widening the gap by nearly a percentage point from 10.5% the previous week. Staffing companies listed no one primary factor that prevented further growth.

New starts fell in the 46th week of the year, decreasing 11.6% from the prior week. Close to half of all staffing companies (45%) reported gains in new assignments week-to-week, equal to this year’s per-week average.

“A meager dip below baseline levels suggests more sideways momentum in staffing employment. The lack of growth or further erosion in staffing employment for much of 2024 affirms that employers recognize the unique value provided by temporary workers and the staffing industry but must wait to take advantage of it due to increased economic turbulence,” said Noah Yosif, chief economist at ASA. “With the holiday season fast approaching and the seasonal fluctuations that accompany it, the ASA Staffing Index may not rebound back to baseline until next year.”

This week will be used in the November monthly employment situation report scheduled to be issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Dec. 6.

Get ahead in 2025 by taking advantage of the ASA professional development sale—starting right now and continuing through the end of this year. You’ll get a 25% discount on education and certification products (except certification renewal fees)—including certification packages, exams, and study materials; the new Staffing Pro Stacks credentialing programs; staffing industry onboarding courses; and more.

Why should you earn an ASA credential? Visit americanstaffing.net/certification to learn the answer—then place your order in the ASA store, using the discount code ASAHOLIDAY24, by Dec. 31.

The Staffing Industry Playbook, an annual economic analysis of the staffing industry, has just been released by ASA. This year’s edition is bigger and better than ever—with more than double the data—to help you understand where the U.S. staffing and recruiting industry is now, evaluate where it’s headed, and customize your strategic planning appropriately.

Go to americanstaffing.net/playbook to learn what you need to know about the U.S. economy and the staffing and recruiting industry—and find out how you can make the most of this business intelligence. The newly expanded playbook website features downloadable graphics, videos, and more.

Don’t miss the ASA webinar “Staffing STATS—The 2024 Staffing Industry Playbook: Data-Driven Insights to Navigate Disruption Now and Plan for 2025.” It takes place today from 2 to 3 p.m. Eastern time.

Every year, ASA produces an economic analysis of the staffing industry, and this year’s Staffing Industry Playbook is bigger and better than ever—with more than double the data and an associated website that features downloadable graphics, videos, and more. Join ASA chief economist Noah Yosif for a strategic look at the data and analysis in the 2024 Staffing Industry Playbook. All attendees will receive a link to download a complimentary copy of the new playbook.

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.

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.