US Job Openings Hit Five-Year Low as Hiring Slows Down
The number of job openings in the US has dropped to its second-lowest level in five years, according to data released by the Labor Department on Wednesday. Employers posted 7.1 million open jobs at the end of November, a decline from 7.4 million the previous month.
The slowdown in hiring comes despite solid economic growth, with the economy expanding at an annual rate of over 4% in the July-September quarter last year. Economists predict that growth will continue to slow but remain steady in the final three months of 2025.
However, while workers may be finding some job security, those who are out of work are struggling to find new jobs. The "low-hire, low-fire" job market remains in effect, with workers enjoying some job protection but facing stiff competition for available positions.
The drop in job openings was the fewest since September 2024 and marked a significant decline compared to outside that month. Open jobs fell sharply in sectors such as shipping and warehousing, restaurants and hotels, and state and local government, while rising in retail and construction.
Quits, or voluntary separations from one's job, also increased slightly in November, suggesting workers are becoming more confident in their ability to find better job opportunities. However, the number of quits remained historically low at 3.16 million, up from just under 3 million the previous month.
Experts point to a slowing labor market, with job growth showing signs of stabilization and layoffs remaining steady. "It's not falling off a cliff," said Nela Richardson, chief economist at ADP. "We see some job growth and don't see an uptick in layoffs."
The Bank of America Institute reported a slight increase in hiring in December, with job gains rising to 0.6% compared to the previous year. This marks a reversal from November's slower pace, which saw job gains rise by just 0.2%.
While some economists believe that hiring may pick up as the economy continues to grow, others caution that automation and artificial intelligence could enable steady growth without creating many jobs, potentially dampening economic expansion.
The number of job openings in the US has dropped to its second-lowest level in five years, according to data released by the Labor Department on Wednesday. Employers posted 7.1 million open jobs at the end of November, a decline from 7.4 million the previous month.
The slowdown in hiring comes despite solid economic growth, with the economy expanding at an annual rate of over 4% in the July-September quarter last year. Economists predict that growth will continue to slow but remain steady in the final three months of 2025.
However, while workers may be finding some job security, those who are out of work are struggling to find new jobs. The "low-hire, low-fire" job market remains in effect, with workers enjoying some job protection but facing stiff competition for available positions.
The drop in job openings was the fewest since September 2024 and marked a significant decline compared to outside that month. Open jobs fell sharply in sectors such as shipping and warehousing, restaurants and hotels, and state and local government, while rising in retail and construction.
Quits, or voluntary separations from one's job, also increased slightly in November, suggesting workers are becoming more confident in their ability to find better job opportunities. However, the number of quits remained historically low at 3.16 million, up from just under 3 million the previous month.
Experts point to a slowing labor market, with job growth showing signs of stabilization and layoffs remaining steady. "It's not falling off a cliff," said Nela Richardson, chief economist at ADP. "We see some job growth and don't see an uptick in layoffs."
The Bank of America Institute reported a slight increase in hiring in December, with job gains rising to 0.6% compared to the previous year. This marks a reversal from November's slower pace, which saw job gains rise by just 0.2%.
While some economists believe that hiring may pick up as the economy continues to grow, others caution that automation and artificial intelligence could enable steady growth without creating many jobs, potentially dampening economic expansion.
The whole thing is a bit puzzling right now. I mean, the US economy is still growing at 4%+ which sounds pretty good, but job openings are way down? It's like employers just aren't feeling as confident about hiring new people or something. And with workers being more confident to quit their jobs for better opportunities, that's not helping either... 
But on the flip side, some experts think this could be a sign of a stabilizing labor market and maybe even growth ahead? It's all very complicated and I'm curious to see how it plays out. 
if ppl r finding job security, then wut's the point of even looking 4 a new one? 
i get it, workers got skills & confidence, but shouldn't we b talkin 'bout creatin more jobs instead of just tryna keep the ones we got? 
At the same time, with automation and AI advancements, some jobs are becoming obsolete or redundant, making it harder for workers to find employment. It's all about finding that sweet spot where growth happens without sacrificing individual stability 
... it's like we're stuck in this limbo where the economy is growing but nobody's really sure how to get ahead 
... what if our job creators are more focused on maximizing profits than creating opportunities for people? that's a scary thought 
...
. Workers stuck in limbo, not sure if they want to stay or go 
. Not a cliff, just a slow slide into mediocrity 
. More quitters than I'm comfortable with 
.
. Meanwhile those out of work are still struggling to get back in the game 
