
Q2 2025
Talent Pulse Report
The Vaco Talent Pulse Report measures employee and job seeker confidence levels in three core areas—job security, financial status, and career advancement. The Q2 2025 report found reduced confidence levels across all three categories, both quarter over quarter and year over year. Economic uncertainty in early 2025 put many employers into cost savings mode, leading them to pause hiring plans and major initiatives, which created ripple effects in the job market. In response, job seekers and employees are staying proactive by exploring contract and freelance roles, earning certifications, and building new skills that make them more appealing to employers and align with their long-term goals.
Keep scrolling to read more.
A look at the unemployment situation
U.S. UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
In the U.S., the labor market held steady to start 2025. The unemployment rate fluctuated throughout Q1 2025, ending the quarter at 4.2%. The U.S. economy also added 228,000 jobs in March, surpassing the average monthly gain of 158,000 jobs over the past year.
CANADA UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
Meanwhile, Canada saw its employment drop by 33,000 jobs in March. The unemployment rate also changed little throughout the quarter, remaining at 6.6% in January and February before increasing to 6.7% in March to end the quarter.

Daphne Henderson Managing Partner
"The latest Vaco by Highspring Talent Pulse Report mirrors the conversations we’re having with our clients, where concerns about job security, financial stability, and career growth are becoming more pronounced. Across industries, leaders are noticing a shift in employee sentiment, with more professionals expressing uncertainty about their future. Hiring managers are navigating a talent market that’s increasingly cautious as job seekers weigh their options more carefully.
At Vaco by Highspring, we view this shift as an opportunity for employers to focus on retention strategies, transparent communication, and career development initiatives. While the numbers point to a decline in workforce confidence, they also present a clear path for organizations to build trust, strengthen engagement, and support their teams in meaningful ways.”
Job security
Down 5% from last quarter, 38% of respondents said they’re extremely confident in their ability to get and hold a job. At the same time, the percentage of those not confident rose to 32%, a 3% increase from Q1.
Yet, there’s a silver lining. Year over year, extreme confidence is up 3% and the number of people not confident fell by 1%. So, while sentiments softened quarter over quarter, they improved year over year.
How confident are you in your ability to get and hold a job right now?
Q2 2025
Extremely confident
Q1 2025
Q4 2024
Q3 2024
Q2 2024
Q1 2024
Q4 2023
Q3 2023
Q2 2025
Somewhat confident
Q1 2025
Q4 2024
Q3 2024
Q2 2024
Q1 2024
Q4 2023
Q3 2023
Q2 2025
Not confident
Q1 2025
Q4 2024
Q3 2024
Q2 2024
Q1 2024
Q4 2023
Q3 2023
5 ways technology has changed the job search—and how to use that to your advantage
Job hunting looks a lot different these days. From social media to mobile apps, technology has reshaped the way we search, apply, and connect. Check out our article that breaks down five ways tech is impacting job searching—and what that means for you.
Financial status
Financial confidence took a hit in Q2 2025. Only 38% of respondents said they’re extremely confident in their ability to improve their financial situation. That’s a 6% drop both quarter over quarter and year over year—and the lowest we’ve seen since Q4 2023. The share of respondents who said they’re not confident also rose to 31%, up 6% from Q1 and 5% year over year.
Still, confidence levels aren’t too far off where they were at the end of last year. Combined confidence levels (those who feel extremely or somewhat confident) are just 1% lower than they were in Q4 2024, while the percentage of respondents who aren’t confident is just 1% higher than it was at the end of last year.
How confident are you in your ability to improve your financial situation (either through a raise or by obtaining a new job) in the next 6 months?
Q2 2025
Extremely confident
Q1 2025
Q4 2024
Q3 2024
Q2 2024
Q1 2024
Q4 2023
Q3 2023
Q2 2025
Somewhat confident
Q1 2025
Q4 2024
Q3 2024
Q2 2024
Q1 2024
Q4 2023
Q3 2023
Q2 2025
Not confident
Q1 2025
Q4 2024
Q3 2024
Q2 2024
Q1 2024
Q4 2023
Q3 2023
Career advancement
Just 43% of respondents said they’re extremely confident in their ability to advance their career over the next year, down 4% from Q1 and 2% year over year. Meanwhile, the percentage of those not confident rose to 29%, up 5% both quarter over quarter and year over year.
Despite the decline in confidence, the numbers aren’t far off from where they stood at the end of 2024. Combined confidence levels are just 1% lower than they were in Q4 2024, while the percentage of respondents who aren’t confident is only 1% higher.
How confident are you in your ability to advance in your career in the next year?
Q2 2025
Extremely confident
Q1 2025
Q4 2024
Q3 2024
Q2 2024
Q1 2024
Q4 2023
Q3 2023
Q2 2025
Somewhat confident
Q1 2025
Q4 2024
Q3 2024
Q2 2024
Q1 2024
Q4 2023
Q3 2023
Q2 2025
Not confident
Q1 2025
Q4 2024
Q3 2024
Q2 2024
Q1 2024
Q4 2023
Q3 2023
Remote vibes or office lives
What is your current workplace arrangement with your employer?
Fully remote
Fully in office
3–4 days in office per week
1–2 days in office per week
Looking ahead
The Q2 2025 Vaco Talent Pulse Report reflects decreased confidence levels across all the key areas we measured.
With the workforce facing an uncertain job market, workers continue to adapt to their situation. Whether it’s through contract and freelance opportunities or by investing in new skills and certifications, job seekers are finding creative ways to stay active and move their careers forward.
A message to those job searching
You’ve been meticulously searching for the perfect job and finally landed an interview—but now what? Make sure you’re prepared with Vaco’s Candidate Interview Guide. It’s your go-to resource to master the art of the interview and take control of your career.
A message to those hiring
Change isn’t slowing down anytime soon—and neither should you. The most agile organizations are turning uncertainty into opportunity. Find out the five practical things your organization can do now to turn its “what ifs” into “what’s next.”
Methodology
We administered poll questions to inform the Q2 2025 Vaco Talent Pulse Report through Vaco by Highspring’s LinkedIn profile on March 21, 2025; March 28, 2025; and April 4, 2025. Results and summaries are based on 10,880 votes cast across the three polls. A highlight of follower demographics includes those from across the U.S. and Canada working in engineering, technology, accounting, finance, human resources, and operations. Most people represented are either senior, manager, director, VP, or entry-level.
For questions on methodology, please contact Jamie Carpen, Senior Manager, Public Relations at Vaco: jcarpen@vaco.com.
ABOUT VACO BY HIGHSPRING
The speed of change requires the talent of people. Vaco solves for both.
Vaco is the Talent Solutions division of Highspring, a leading global professional services organization. With expertise in Accounting and Finance, Technology and Digital, and Human Resources and Operations, Vaco provides Contract Staffing and Direct Hire solutions. Vaco’s parent company, Highspring, helps clients with two additional integrated service offerings: Consulting and Managed Services. With more than 10,000 employees across more than 45 offices worldwide, Highspring gives partners the agility to thrive, address challenges, and seize opportunities in a rapidly changing world. Get to know us at vaco.com.

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