Survey shows job seekers adjust strategies as 82% change search behaviour amid uncertainty
More than three-quarters of Canadian job seekers believe no job is safe, regardless of how well an employee performs, reflecting growing unease about career stability.
According to a survey by Express Employment Professionals and The Harris Poll, 78 percent of respondents said job security no longer exists, while 75 percent viewed job security as a thing of the past.
The findings show a shift in sentiment, as 68 percent of employed job seekers reported once feeling stable in their careers but now view the future as uncertain.
Economic worries are at the centre of this outlook.
The survey found that 53 percent expect a recession in the next 12 months, while 17 percent believe one has already begun.
These fears extend into job-seeking decisions, with 77 percent worrying that any role accepted now could be at risk if conditions worsen.
Another 74 percent expressed concern about finding a job in a downturn, including 26 percent who said they were very concerned.
The survey highlighted how these anxieties are influencing choices.
More than 82 percent said they have changed their job search strategies because of economic uncertainty.
Nearly two-thirds (62 percent) reported that recession fears affect their willingness to negotiate pay or benefits, with 18 percent more open to lower salaries.
Other adjustments include being more willing to accept different work environments (35 percent), applying to positions for which they are overqualified (30 percent), and seeking roles outside their target industry (28 percent).
Another 28 percent said they are willing to relocate.
Concerns also extend to the quality of work opportunities.
The findings show 72 percent feel the current market forces them to settle for jobs below their qualifications. More than half (51 percent) said they are more worried about job security than they were a year ago.
In response, 61 percent of job seekers view contract and freelance roles as offering greater control over their future than traditional full-time work.
Despite this uncertainty, job seekers still hold confidence in their employers.
The report found 72 percent are confident in their company’s ability to provide short-term job security, including 28 percent who are very confident. For long-term security, 66 percent expressed confidence, with 26 percent very confident.
However, 75 percent said government policy changes influence job security more than company leadership decisions.
“In times of economic uncertainty, job seekers should focus on adaptability and self-investment,” said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, president and chair of Express Employment International.
He advised candidates to expand their search, sharpen their skills, and remain open to opportunities outside their comfort zone.
Funk added that the most successful job seekers are not just looking for positions but are building resilience for what comes next.
