A growing number of Canadian job seekers are grappling with the lasting consequences of long-term unemployment, including declining skills, eroded confidence and mounting frustration, according to a new survey from Express Employment Professionals.
More than a quarter of unemployed Canadians (27 per cent) have been out of work for more than two years. While that number is down from the 38 per cent reported in both the spring and fall of 2023, the challenges associated with prolonged unemployment remain widespread and persistent.
The most commonly cited barriers to employment include resume gaps (44 per cent), deterioration of hard or soft skills (42 per cent), and a loss of confidence (40 per cent). Others pointed to reduced networking opportunities and falling behind on industry trends.
Disconnect between job seekers and employers
The effects of long-term unemployment are also being felt by Canadian companies. One in three employers report having open positions they cannot fill—largely due to a lack of candidates with relevant experience or adequate hard and soft skills.
Two-thirds of hiring decision-makers (66 per cent) say extended unemployment significantly deteriorates job seekers’ skills, with young adults ages 18 to 26 most affected.
“There’s a real mismatch between what employers need and what many job seekers bring to the table after a long time out of the workforce,” said Brent Pollington, owner of an Express Employment Professionals franchise in Vancouver.
Mental health toll and misinformation
Pollington said the biggest impact he sees among job seekers is to their mental health, noting how constant rejection can become “deeply personal and defeating.”
He also raised concerns about widespread misinformation that’s undermining job searches. Common examples include myths that résumés are never seen by real people, or that success in finding a job is mostly due to luck.
“When job seekers are surrounded by messages blaming external forces… it can make it harder for them to reflect, adapt and respond to what the market is actually looking for,” he said. “What they need is honest guidance, practical tools and a better understanding of how hiring works today.”
Adapting to today’s job market
Pollington emphasized that the strategies job seekers used five or ten years ago no longer hold up in today’s competitive market. Instead of applying broadly, he advises a more focused approach: targeting roles that align with interests and tailoring each application with a customized resume and cover letter.
“Don’t apply to everything,” he said. “Apply only to roles that closely align with your interests… include a focused cover letter and a resume that speaks directly to the role and the company.”
Successful candidates, he added, are often those who understand how employers make decisions and are able to see the process through their eyes.
Turning rejection into a strategy shift
Rather than becoming discouraged by rejection, Pollington said job seekers should use it as an opportunity to reassess and refine their approach.
“Do your research and then use it to build a specific, thoughtful, and aligned application for a job for which you’re a close fit,” he said. “That’s what gets noticed. That’s what gets you in the door.”
Bill Stoller, CEO of Express Employment International, echoed the message.
“By focusing on skill development and networking, job seekers can turn this period into a stepping stone for future success,” he said.
Survey details
The Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey was conducted online in two waves: the first from Nov. 11–26, 2024, with 505 Canadian hiring decision-makers; and the second from Nov. 21–Dec. 6, 2024, with 505 unemployed adults aged 18 and older.
