Workforce Report: Increased hiring yet job searching is risky

We first interviewed Trent Cotton of iCIMS in October 2025 to discuss data it was reporting in its superb (and free!) monthly Workforce Report. Well, he's back to discuss the January report, and those surprised him as well as our cohosts, Jeanette Leeds and Steven Rothberg of College Recruiter job search site. The signals were mixed, with some far stronger than many expected, and others weaker. Candidates might move from job hugging to job chaining given how risky most feel it is to change jobs right now. But, if hiring picks up, and there are signals that it is, employers might again be faced with massive quits and recruitment challenges. Oh, and if you like Bryan Adams and his song The Summer of '69, then this is an episode that you'll appreciate even more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices