Seasonal Job Applications Jump 15% Since Last Year as Part-Time Roles Dominate Demand

15%

Seasonal job applications surged by 15% from September 2023, with most candidates seeking part-time roles, especially women, as per iCIMS' Oct. 21 report. While job seeker interest soared, job openings lagged slightly, meeting less than expected demand. Competitive pay, flexible scheduling, and discounts were top motivators, though candidates cited scheduling conflicts and high stress as concerns.

44%

Facing layoffs and economic uncertainty, many Gen Z workers are turning to side hustles for extra income and to build skills and secure future careers, according to a recent Quicken report. About 44% of Gen Z side hustlers are focused on upskilling, compared to 18% of U.S. workers. A majority report feeling more financially secure, with many enjoying self-employment over traditional corporate roles. Despite this, challenges remain, as some hiring managers still favor older workers, citing Gen Z’s need for stronger workplace skills post-pandemic.

14,000

Nokia has been gradually implementing a global restructuring plan to cut 14,000 jobs, focusing on cost reductions in China and Europe by 2026. Recent layoffs include 2,000 jobs in China and 350 in Europe, as Nokia aims to save up to €1.2 billion by scaling back operations. The company’s workforce reduction, targeting a 16% cut, aligns with industry-wide moves as companies like Meta, Airbus, and Ericsson seek to stabilize amid economic pressures and geopolitical shifts.

5%

Professional job roles saw a global decline of 5% in September, diverging from the typical seasonal hiring surge, as per Robert Walters’ Global Jobs Index. Key declines were observed in Singapore (-21.81%), the U.S. (-12.31%), and Australia (-11.26%), attributed to factors like geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty. However, Europe showed a "September surge" in job vacancies, particularly in France (+74.4%) and Spain (+18.66%), fueled by a post-summer rebound and industry-specific growth.

60%

A report from Intelligent.com reveals that 60% of organizations have terminated recent college graduates due to performance issues, with 75% of employers citing dissatisfaction with their hires. Key issues included lack of motivation, professionalism, and communication skills. Over 60% of hiring managers believe recent grads struggle with work ethics and adapting to less-structured environments, prompting some companies to consider not hiring them in 2025. Mentorship programs could help bridge the gap by providing guidance and support.