Market Update: August 2025
The July "Employment Situation Report," commonly referred to as the Jobs Report, led many to question the health of the economy. New hiring was characterized by some as “shockingly low”, and there was a downward revision for May and June.
There are also (mostly anecdotal reports) that the job market for recent college graduates is incredibly difficult. Unemployment is higher for this population, 6.6% versus 4.1% nationally, and traditional stalwart majors like computer science and information systems are not guarantees of employment. That said, the overwhelming majority of recent college graduates seeking employment are finding it.
This comes as inflation ticked slightly upward by a tenth of a percentage point and the Federal Reserve opted to keep interest rates steady, leaving some economists concerned about potential stagnation. New tariffs continue to cause uncertainty while Q2 corporate earnings indicate resiliency, and employers remain cautious rather than cutting back swiftly. Rate cuts may be on the horizon before the end of the year, which has typically driven increases in investment and hiring.
What are we seeing real time in the markets we operate in?
Finance and Accounting hiring continues to be robust across geographic markets, with national unemployment stats indicating less than 2% for this sector. Demand persists for niche skills sets (industry, technical and systems expertise).
Hiring for experienced Sales professionals and executives is robust across industries and geographies. Companies are investing in growth, but they are balancing that investment with careful, methodical hiring practices to ensure they are positioned for both expansion and resilience.
Manufacturing and Construction hiring has moderated: Construction employment has steadied after a surge in infrastructure-related projects earlier in the year, while Manufacturing continues to grapple with tariff-driven uncertainty. Employers continue to prioritize workers with specialized trade skills and project management expertise.
Rate cuts before year-end could serve as a catalyst for renewed hiring momentum, particularly in capital-intensive industries. In the meantime, companies are leaning on automation and process improvements to bridge gaps, while candidates with in-demand skill sets continue to find strong opportunities.
There are also (mostly anecdotal reports) that the job market for recent college graduates is incredibly difficult. Unemployment is higher for this population, 6.6% versus 4.1% nationally, and traditional stalwart majors like computer science and information systems are not guarantees of employment. That said, the overwhelming majority of recent college graduates seeking employment are finding it.
This comes as inflation ticked slightly upward by a tenth of a percentage point and the Federal Reserve opted to keep interest rates steady, leaving some economists concerned about potential stagnation. New tariffs continue to cause uncertainty while Q2 corporate earnings indicate resiliency, and employers remain cautious rather than cutting back swiftly. Rate cuts may be on the horizon before the end of the year, which has typically driven increases in investment and hiring.
What are we seeing real time in the markets we operate in?
Finance and Accounting hiring continues to be robust across geographic markets, with national unemployment stats indicating less than 2% for this sector. Demand persists for niche skills sets (industry, technical and systems expertise).
Hiring for experienced Sales professionals and executives is robust across industries and geographies. Companies are investing in growth, but they are balancing that investment with careful, methodical hiring practices to ensure they are positioned for both expansion and resilience.
Manufacturing and Construction hiring has moderated: Construction employment has steadied after a surge in infrastructure-related projects earlier in the year, while Manufacturing continues to grapple with tariff-driven uncertainty. Employers continue to prioritize workers with specialized trade skills and project management expertise.
Rate cuts before year-end could serve as a catalyst for renewed hiring momentum, particularly in capital-intensive industries. In the meantime, companies are leaning on automation and process improvements to bridge gaps, while candidates with in-demand skill sets continue to find strong opportunities.
Nicole DelToro has been helping organizations (big and small) hire and retain top talent for over 26 years, while helping individuals realize their personal and professional goals by ensuring they’re working in the environment that’s ideal for their current situation. Contact her at [email protected]
Brooke Fisher brings more than 20 years of financial recruiting expertise to your search. She has worked with both candidates who have just a few years' experience and Chief Financial Officers to match the best candidates to the perfect companies. Brooke's expertise is in mid to large-sized companies in the telecommunications, manufacturing, financial services, and real estate industries. Email her at [email protected]
Andrews & Cole is a certified woman-owned boutique executive search and consulting firm with a focus on accounting and finance professionals. Clients range from start ups to Fortune 100 in nearly every industry.
Brooke Fisher brings more than 20 years of financial recruiting expertise to your search. She has worked with both candidates who have just a few years' experience and Chief Financial Officers to match the best candidates to the perfect companies. Brooke's expertise is in mid to large-sized companies in the telecommunications, manufacturing, financial services, and real estate industries. Email her at [email protected]
Andrews & Cole is a certified woman-owned boutique executive search and consulting firm with a focus on accounting and finance professionals. Clients range from start ups to Fortune 100 in nearly every industry.
