

Job seekers have a lot of challenges to face that go beyond simply being out of work. The job market has been tough since the beginning of this year, mostly beaten down in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Between the job scams, long interview cycles that can last for months, and job ghosting, trying to land a decent gig can be more than frustrating. And it’s not just hearsay or social media chatter. There are very real indicators that the job market is in shambles, explaining why many seeking gainful employment are hitting wall after wall. Research supports that the difficulties you’re facing aren’t just a figment of your imagination and may have nothing to do with what you’re doing “right” or “wrong.”
Talent solutions provider Aerotek has found that close to 70% of people said their current job search was more challenging than their last one and that they feel like they have to try harder to find a new job in this economy. ZipRecruiter reports that 43% of job seekers said they were actively searching for work in the second quarter of this year, an increase from 37% at the end of last year. And 63% said they felt financial pressure to take the first job offer, up from 58% early this year.
Here's are a few reasons, according to the expert, behind what is causing issues with the job market.
1. Companies are taking longer to follow up after job interviews.
And when you do get a call or follow up for an interview, it might take longer to even know whether you got the job or not. Research by human capital advisory firm Josh Bersin Co. and workforce solutions firm AMS found that the “duration for global hiring” is at an “all-time high,” and that the recruitment process now averages about 43 days.
When you have to wait more than a month for confirmation after a job interview, that can put a dent in the proactivity of applying for other jobs, as well as a major dent in your pocket. Unemployment insurance only lasts but so long and sometimes barely covers the full basic expenses of living. It's definitely annoying and nerve-wracking to wait so long for a follow-up from a recruiter or hiring manager, and it's even more so when you thought you aced the interview.
Not to mention you could be waiting just to get rejected, having wasted time on multiple rounds of tedious interviews.
2. Job recovery hasn't quite caught up due to the impact of the pandemic.
Experts say job growth is “downshifting” from the aftermath of the pandemic, and the pace has “caught up to where it would have been if the health crisis hadn’t happened.” Companies and professionals alike are still dealing with the fallout of COVID-19, and it's apparently taken more than three years to see substantial movement forward when it comes to job openings and creation.
3. Many of the open positions may not be in your industry.
According to labor statistics, 272,000 jobs were added in May, with the growth driven mainly by three sectors: healthcare (+68,000), government (+43,000), and leisure and hospitality (+42,000). Jobs created in these industries reportedly accounted for more than half of the U.S. employment gains.
This indicates that it might be a bit more challenging for those in other sectors to land interviews and get hired. This certainly doesn't mean changing industries or fretting because what you do doesn't fall into any of the aforementioned. It simply points to something that could contribute to the frustrations of job seekers who aren't getting callbacks for jobs in other industries.
4. If you're a college graduate, the jobs that are available might not align with your educational background.
Demand for jobs that require a college degree is reportedly lower than those that don’t, and recent grads are also “fixated on certain positions with too many applicants rather than high-demand roles," experts say.
However, another report from Harvard Business School and the Burning Glass Institute found that not all employers who indicate support of skills-based hiring and remove degree requirements from job ads are actually hiring candidates without degrees. “[F]or all its fanfare, the increased opportunity promised by skills-based hiring has borne out in not even 1 in 700 hires last year,” the authors wrote.
Either way, there's a clear issue here in terms of some companies making up their minds about whether not having a college degree will block candidates' eligibility for certain jobs, posing a clear challenge for job seekers whether they've pursued higher education or not.
5. Company leaders, constantly fearing a recession, have been cautious about hiring new workers.
Experts say that company leaders are still holding on to fears that a recession is coming, and are going light on hiring because of this. “Business leaders are still concerned that a recession is possible, even if it’s not 100% certain,” Glassdoor lead economist Daniel Zhao told CNBC earlier this year. “They don’t want to overhire into a recession and then have to lay people off.”
Dan Kaplan, a Korn Ferry senior client partner, added, “No one can figure out what’s ahead, which means you have to make more decisions blindly. Normally, economists will predict a tough market for two of three quarters, and there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, but this time it’s been almost 24 months of predictions of doom and gloom.”
There's Still Hope For Job Seekers
While there are major challenges right now for job seekers, it's always a good idea to look at things with a solutions-focused mindset and approach with optimism. (I mean, do we all really have a choice?) If you're hitting walls in your job search, it's time to think of a better strategy, consider other passions you have, start a side hustle, or try these methods for upgrading your job search methods.
The journey might be more difficult for some and if you feel passionate about doing a certain specific job, hold your ground if you're financially and mentally able to. Keep applying to your dream gig, track what you're doing and how you're spending your time, volunteer to serve in some way in order to continue doing something you love while you're looking, prioritize free self-care activities, and hold on to faith. Something will indeed come through.
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'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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Swipe Right For Sisterhood: Reginae Carter Talks Teaming Up With BLK To Make Friendships Front & Center
You know the vibes: dating apps aren’t just for finding romance anymore—at least not for Gen Z! As young people continue to redefine connection, BLK, the leading dating app for Black singles, is shaking things up with the launch of Social Mode. The new feature allows users to toggle between dating and platonic connections. Yep, you read that right—friendship is now just as easy to find as love.
To kick off this game-changing launch, BLK teamed up with TV personality and socialite Reginae Carter for the ultimate Girls’ Night In, proving that sisterhood is just as important as romance. The exclusive event was a celebration of the new feature and the power of Black women coming together to uplift one another.
“Your circle is everything,” Reginae shares with a smile, and she’s not wrong. She’s all about creating spaces where we can come together, let our hair down, and vibe with like-minded women. “We deserve spaces to meet, uplift, and vibe with each other. BLK is making that happen,” she adds.
A New Era for Friendships—Social Mode Is Here!
Gen Z is all about building meaningful connections, whether it’s with a date or a new brunch buddy. That’s why Social Mode is such a big deal. Research shows that 65% of Gen Z values friendships just as much as romantic relationships. With BLK’s new feature, users can easily toggle between “Dating” and “Social,” opening up a world of platonic connections—no swiping right required.
Bahja Rodriguez, Reginae Carter, Breaunna Womack, Lourdes Rodriguez and Zonnique Pullins attend OMG Girlz "Make A Scene" Single Release & Video Viewing Party at Trap City Cafe on March 27, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia
Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage
Reginae Carter Hosts the Ultimate Girls’ Night In—Powered by BLK Social Mode
What better way to show Social Mode in action than with an exclusive Girls’ Night In, hosted by Reginae? The event brought together top influencers, tastemakers, and press for a night of luxury, self-care, and real talk about love, sex, and relationships. From tarot readings to perfume-making and signature cocktails, the evening embodied the “soft life” vibe that many Black women are embracing in 2025—peaceful, intentional, and full of joy.
Guests mingled, laughed, and bonded over the importance of finding a tribe that supports you. It wasn’t just about fun (although there was plenty of that!)—it was about creating a circle of inspiring, strong women. “We need to stick together. We need to be each other’s village,” Reginae says, emphasizing the power of community over competition.
Sisterhood: The Real MVP
For Reginae, it’s all about friendship—and not just the surface-level kind. “We need friends who keep it real with us. The ones who can tell us when we’re right, when we’re wrong, and when we need to calm down,” she says. As someone who navigates the spotlight, she’s got the best of both worlds: friends who understand the grind and those who can give her an honest, grounded perspective.
Her advice for building strong, intentional friendships? “Be confident in yourself and know your worth,” she explains. “Also, hurt people hurt people, so make sure you’re coming from a good place when you’re building relationships. It’s not always about being nice—sometimes it’s about being real.”
Reginae couldn’t have summed it up better: “When you have the right circle, the right tribe, everything just feels easier. And that’s exactly what BLK is giving us—space to connect, laugh, and grow with each other.”
To learn more about BLK’s Social Mode, download or update the BLK app in the App Store or Google Play Store today. Who knows? You might just find your new bestie or your next brunch crew.
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Feature image by Prince Williams/WireImage