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May Labor Market Resilient but Cools Slightly

The May labor market report continues to reflect a gradual cooling trend in the U.S. economy. Job gains came in above expectations but remain well below the levels seen throughout most of 2023 and early 2024. Revisions to prior months trimmed 95,000 jobs from March and April totals.

April 2025 Jobs Report: The Economy is Still Growing But Cautiously

The U.S. economy added 177,000 jobs in April 2025, exceeding expectations but reflecting a deceleration from the prior month’s upwardly revised 185,000 gains. The unemployment rate remained at 4.2%, holding steady for the third consecutive month. While hiring continued in several sectors, particularly healthcare, transportation and warehousing, and financial activities—layoffs in the federal government and manufacturing highlight the growing impact of economic uncertainty, especially around tariffs and government restructuring.

Labor Market Rebounds in March with Strong Job Gains

The U.S. labor market bounced back in March, delivering stronger-than-expected job growth across several key sectors, even as signs of economic stress began to emerge due to aggressive trade and fiscal policy shifts.

Most hiring managers aren’t experts in hiring, and that’s okay. But it does lead to some common challenges. As our Helping Hiring Managers Succeed report outlines, they often have unrealistic expectations and focus more on what they think they need rather than on what’s truly best for their team. Plus, managers are often stretched too thin or don’t have the relationship skills required to create great experiences for candidates and new hires.