The job market is always shifting, and the latest January jobs report proves it: while hiring is slowing down, businesses are still looking for great people. Maybe you’ve noticed it yourself—some companies are hesitant to commit to full-time hires, and job seekers are feeling the pressure to stand out.
But here’s the good news: opportunities still exist—you just need the right strategy to find them Whether you’re a job seeker or an employer, there’s a way forward. Keep reading to learn how to navigate these changes and come out ahead.
At United Talent Staffing, we’ve been guiding people through these job market ups and downs for over 57 years. No matter what changes, one thing stays the same—finding the right job (or the right hire) is still about people.
A Changing Job Market Means New Opportunities
The January jobs report gave us a lot to think about:
🔹 Job Growth is Slowing – The U.S. added 143,000 jobs last month, lower than expected. That means companies are hiring more cautiously.
🔹 Wages Are Rising – Hourly earnings are up 4.1% from last year, driven by minimum wage increases in many states.
🔹 Some Industries Are Thriving – Healthcare, retail, and government jobs are growing, while the manufacturing sector has exhibited a mix of growth and challenges in recent times. In January 2025, the sector expanded for the first time in over two years, with the Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) reaching 50.9, the highest since September 2022.
🔹 Flexibility is in Demand – Employers are relying more on temporary and contract workers, rather than committing to full-time hires.
What does this mean for you? If you’re looking for a job, it’s time to focus on the industries that are hiring and make sure you’re standing out. If you’re hiring, it’s time to think about flexibility—finding the right talent without long-term risk.
Why People Still Matter in Staffing
A lot of staffing firms are leaning on AI and automation to handle recruitment without conducting actual interviews. We get it- technology makes things faster. But at United Talent, we believe staffing will always be a people job. That’s why we still interview every candidate and every employer.
Because when it comes to finding the right fit, a chatbot can’t read between the lines. A resume doesn’t tell the whole story. And a job description doesn’t capture company culture.
We take the time to listen—whether you’re looking for a great job or trying to find the right people for your business.
What’s Next?
If you’re looking for work, we can help you:
✅ Find jobs in industries that are growing
✅ Highlight skills that employers are looking for (not just degrees)
✅ Get placed in flexible jobs that fit your lifestyle
If you’re hiring, we can help you:
✅ Find qualified candidates faster
✅ Fill temporary or full-time positions with confidence
✅ Reduce the risks of hiring in a changing economy
Take the Next Step
The job market might be shifting, but opportunities are still out there, you just need the right guide.
Let’s find your next job—or your next great hire.
Call the United Talent Location near you:
South Charleston, WV 304-556-1190
Huntington, WV 304-521-6140
Morgantown, WV 304-225-1199
Teays Valley, WV 304-760-1050
Duluth, GA 470-645-1160
Hiram, GA 470-645-1650
For Onsite Solutions, Direct Hires, and other National Solutions, please call our Corporate Headquarters at 304-556-1190.