Job seekers feel awful about the labor market. Data is finally starting to explain why.

The job market in the United States has been a challenging landscape for many job seekers, including Sashi Cayard, a 26-year-old from Miami. Cayard, who was laid off from her human resources job in the hospitality industry in May, has been tirelessly searching for new opportunities. Despite trying various tactics such as handing out resumes in person, applying online, and reaching out to hiring managers directly, she has faced countless rejections and setbacks.

In a video posted to TikTok in August, Cayard shared her frustrations about the lack of job prospects and even went as far as seeking help from politicians in Washington, D.C. However, her efforts were in vain as she never received a response. With a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism management and a master’s degree in human resources management, Cayard has applied to over 500 positions but has only secured two interviews.

The economic data now reflects what job seekers like Cayard have been experiencing for months. The unemployment rate in the US rose to 4.3% in August, the highest level since October 2021. Additionally, revisions to jobs data revealed a net loss of 13,000 positions in June, the first monthly decline since December 2020.

Allison Shrivastava, an economist at the Indeed Hiring Lab, highlighted the challenges faced by job seekers in the current market. While employed individuals may feel secure in their current roles, those trying to enter or switch jobs are facing significant hurdles. The job market has become a no-hire, no-fire environment, with companies hesitant to hire new employees due to economic uncertainty.

The situation has left many job seekers feeling discouraged and overwhelmed. Felicia Enriquez, a 47-year-old paralegal from Los Angeles, has been unemployed for 14 months and is struggling to make ends meet. Tyler Tiede, a 27-year-old software engineer from Rochester, New York, has faced numerous rejections in his job search and has resorted to gig economy work to supplement his income.

Despite the challenges, Shrivastava advised job seekers to use this time to upskill and leverage their networks. While the job market may be tough, there is still hope for those willing to adapt and persevere. As job seekers navigate through this difficult period, support from friends, family, and professional networks can make a significant difference in maintaining motivation and morale.

Overall, the current job market presents a challenging landscape for job seekers, but with resilience, determination, and a willingness to adapt, individuals like Sashi Cayard, Felicia Enriquez, and Tyler Tiede can navigate through these tough times and find new opportunities in their respective fields.