New jobs report raises concerns for Triangle job seekers
New jobs report raises concerns for Triangle job seekers
Jon DowdingSat, October 3, 2026 at 12:02 AM UTC
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A sharply weaker-than-expected jobs report released Friday is raising concerns about the labor market as employers added just 29,000 jobs nationwide in September and the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.2%.
A sharply weaker-than-expected jobs report released Friday is raising concerns about the labor market as employers added just 29,000 jobs nationwide in September and the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.2%.
The latest report showed employers added 29,000 jobs nationwide in September, well below the 90,000 jobs economists had expected. The unemployment rate increased from 4.1% to 4.2%.
The report also comes as a key measure of consumer confidence experienced its biggest drop in a decade, adding to concerns about the broader economy.
For many job seekers in the Triangle, the slowdown is making it harder to find work.
"It's like the job market is horrible for everybody, really," said Olga Matos of Zebulon.
Matos said many families are struggling as they search for employment.
"So many people are having a hard time really trying to find what they need to support their families," she said.
Workforce experts said they are seeing more people looking for jobs, including workers considering career changes as competition for positions increases.
"I have a lot of engineers, a lot of IT workers that are now considering going into education. People are really anxious and ready to get back to work and considering changing their career fields," said Anthony Sutton, a career advisor with the NC Division of Workforce Solutions.
Staff with NCWorks said some industries continue to show stronger hiring demand than others.
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"Health care, manufacturing, especially here in the Raleigh area. Anything like that right now. Anything with construction is the main thing that I've seen booming. But, of course, you have some government," said Liam Samodal, an NCWorks inside business services consultant.
Job seekers are also being encouraged to tailor their resumes to pass automated, AI screening systems used by some employers.
"Making sure that you are including the keywords for the job itself. That way, if they are using AI, it will hopefully pass you through because you have those credentials now," said Arianna Jenkins, a talent development advisor with NCWorks.
Some job seekers say age can present additional challenges in a competitive market.
Linda Perry of Raleigh said she has returned to school to make herself more competitive against younger applicants.
"If you have the drive, you have the energy, and you have the knowledge, you're capable of doing just as much as they can do," Perry said.
Despite the challenges, job seekers said persistence remains important.
"The economy is so bad now. So, you kind of like, hold your breath, hope that the next day maybe someone will turn around and hire you," Matos said.
Workforce experts recommend networking, obtaining certifications, dressing to impress, and directly contacting employers as ways to stand out in a competitive job market.
NCWorks also offers information on scholarship opportunities that can help job seekers earn certifications.
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Source: “AOL Money”
