6 in 10 job seekers cite a culmination of factors in pursuing career change
DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. –– Job seekers are taking steps to enhance and expand their workplace skills amid uncertainty about the current job market, according to new research from CompTIA, Inc., the leading global provider of vendor-neutral information technology (IT) training and certification products.
CompTIA’s latest “Job Seeker Trends” report finds that 27% of the U.S. labor market – approximately 45 million people – reported pursuing a new job or career change during the past three months. The percentage is consistent with prior waves of CompTIA’s job market tracking research. Those in the early stages of their career – the 18 to 44 age segment – have the highest incidence of job seeking activity (45% vs. 27% overall).
Job seekers acknowledge a challenging hiring environment on several fronts. In addition to concerns around labor market uncertainty, they cite the time factor of searching, interviewing and related activities, as well as mental fatigue and frustration with situations of employer “over-spec’ing” positions with difficult to clear requirements.
To put themselves in the best possible position in an increasingly tech-driven workplace, 89% of job seekers recognize the importance of digital fluency skills. Non-active job seekers express a similar intent to build their skills for advancing or avoiding falling beyond in their career. Among the skills intent segment, areas that rate highest include:
Business or professional (soft) skills
Digital fluency skills
Project management skills
Data and analysis skills
Technical or cybersecurity skills
Artificial intelligence skills
“The data confirms job seekers and skills intent workers continue to utilize a range of approaches and tools to support their career progression,” said Amy Carrado, senior director, workforce research, CompTIA. “Despite the challenges, there have never been more resources available to navigate career change.”
CompTIA’s “Job Seeker Trends” study was conducted via an online survey in January 2025. The survey sample of 2,002 respondents was evenly segmented between active job seekers and non-seekers.
CompTIA offers a range of learning resources, including the newly released CompTIA Essentials Series, to help people develop and enhance workplace skills in areas such as artificial intelligence, business acumen and soft skills.
About CompTIA
CompTIA Inc. is the leading global provider of vendor-neutral information technology (IT) training and certification products. CompTIA unlocks potential in millions of aspiring technology professionals and careers changers. Working in partnership with thousands of academic institutions and training providers, CompTIA helps students build career-ready skills through best-in-class learning solutions, industry-recognized certifications and career resources. Learn more at https://www.comptia.org/.
Media Contact
Steven Ostrowski
CompTIA
sostrowski@comptia.org
+1.630.678.8468
Steve Ostrowski
Senior Director, Corporate Communications
(630) 678 - 8468
sostrowski@comptia.org
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Access Now$2 trillion – Estimated direct economic impact of the U.S. tech industry, representing 8.8% of the national economy.
582,000 – Number of tech business establishments in the U.S.
9.1 million – U.S. net tech employment at the end of 2022.
286,400 – Estimated number of new technology jobs added in the U.S. in 2022.
4.1 million – Number of postings by U.S. employers for tech job openings during 2022.
