CNN 5 Things One Thing: Why Job Hunting Feels Impossible Right Now
Oct 26, 2025
Job hunting has become an uphill battle for many, as two seekers share their frustrating experiences. Key insights reveal a struggling labor market, with disparities affecting various groups, notably Black women. Economists weigh in on recession indicators and shifting trends in hiring, emphasizing the impact of AI on entry-level jobs. Despite a resilient economy, rising long-term unemployment raises concerns about future stability. Overall, the struggles in job searching paint a complex picture of the current workforce landscape.
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Recent Grad's Brutal Job Hunt
- Ellie Bryan graduated in spring and applied since February, sending roughly 1,500 applications with only about 10–12 interviews total.
- She describes the process as frustrating and demoralizing but keeps hoping it will eventually work out.
Experienced Leader Forced To Take Retail Work
- Amy Suman, a former superintendent, saw resumes disappear into AI screening and faced months without income before taking a grocery-store job cutting meat.
- She felt humbled answering to a manager half her age after overseeing large budgets and staff.
Labor Market Is Stuck And Fragmented
- Diane Swonk says the labor market is 'stuck' with low hires, low fires, and low quits alongside longer layoffs for many workers.
- She links this freeze to factors like the shutdown, AI, tariffs, and shifting worker supply.
