Canadian job seekers are pessimistic about their prospects, with 57% expecting difficulty finding a job in the next six months, according to a new Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey.

Only 20% of job seekers believe there are more job opportunities in their field compared to a year ago, down from 27% in the fall of 2023 and 33% a year ago. Additionally, 38% now believe there are fewer job opportunities overall, an increase from 31% in both fall and spring 2023.

The survey also found that many unemployed Canadians face extended periods without work, with 38% reporting joblessness for more than two years.

The job market has shifted as well. While 80% of job seekers are seeking full-time positions, an increasing portion, 47%, are willing to accept part-time positions, up from 38% a year ago. Further, 28% are willing to accept temporary or seasonal positions, up from 16%, and 15% would accept positions below their most recent pay level, up from 7%.

The survey noted that employed job seekers are also concerned about the state of the labor market, with 47% worried about getting the raise they deserve, followed by economic slowdowns, 32%; workforce reductions due to the economic climate, 27%; and AI/technology replacing their positions, 23%.

More than half of employed job seekers, 53%, reported working longer hours and more shifts in the past year, a significant increase from 37% in the fall 2023 survey. 

Top reasons for seeking new employment among employed Canadians include better compensation, 46%; better work-life balance, 44%; and better growth opportunities in their current field, 43%.

The Job Seeker Report includes responses from 505 Canadian adults aged 18 and older and took place from May 28 to June 10.