Employers struggle to hire as skill gaps widen

According to an Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey, long-term unemployment in Canada is affecting job seekers' confidence, skills and mental health, while also hindering their chances of reconnecting with employers and industry networks. 

While 27 percent of unemployed Canadians have been out of work for more than two years—lower than the 38 percent recorded in Spring and Fall 2023—the effects remain significant.  

Survey respondents cited quitting or voluntarily leaving a job (33 percent) and being laid off (17 percent) as the top reasons for unemployment. 

Unemployment over extended periods has created a range of challenges. The most commonly reported issues include: 

• Gaps in work history (44 percent) 

• Deterioration in hard or soft skills (42 percent) 

• Loss of confidence (40 percent) 

• Difficulty with networking (30 percent) 

• Reduced awareness of current industry trends (29 percent) 

These barriers are not only personal but also affect hiring outcomes across the country.  

One in three Canadian employers (32 percent) report being unable to fill open positions.  

Employers primarily attribute this to a shortage of applicants with relevant experience (45 percent), hard skills (44 percent) and soft skills (32 percent). 

Two-thirds of employers (66 percent) identify the deterioration of both hard and soft skills as a major impact of prolonged unemployment, especially among young adults aged 18 to 26.  

Brent Pollington, Vancouver Express franchise owner, said he sees the emotional toll unemployment takes on people.  

“The biggest impact of unemployment I see is on mental health; a lot of job seekers feel deeply frustrated by how hard the process is,” he said. 

He noted that job seekers often face repeated rejection, which feels personal and disheartening, especially for those not used to rejection in their previous roles. 

Pollington also highlighted the issue of online disinformation. He said many job seekers are misled by common myths, such as: 

• Thinking the online system hides their resumes, when they are often seen but fail to stand out 

• Believing they miss out on jobs due to a 'hidden market,' when most roles are publicly posted 

• Assuming the “Open to Work” LinkedIn banner appears desperate, despite it being a useful tool 

• Believing hiring is based on luck rather than strategy and adaptability 

“Job seekers are trying to navigate a very real emotional and financial stress while being misled by advice that keeps them stuck,” said Pollington.  

She explained that while external factors can sometimes be to blame, messages that focus solely on these make it harder for job seekers to reflect, adapt and respond to current market demands.  

According to her, what people need is “honest guidance, practical tools and a better understanding of how hiring works today. 

Pollington stated that successful candidates often treat rejection as a learning tool. They re-evaluate their strategy, resume, outreach and LinkedIn profile. 

“The people who stand out in today’s job market aren’t just upskilled — they’re aligned,” Pollington said. “They’ve taken the time to understand what drives employer decisions, what catches attention in a sea of resumes and how to tailor their approach to speak directly to what companies need.” 

He warned that many are still using outdated application methods. He said the “spray and pray” strategy—applying to as many jobs as possible using the same documents—is no longer effective. 

“Don’t apply to everything. Don’t fire off the same resume and cover letter over and over,” said Pollington.  

Instead, he advised targeting roles that match one's interests and building a specific, purpose-built application that includes a tailored cover letter and a resume aligned with the job and company. 

Pollington added that job seekers should think like hiring managers and put effort into understanding their perspective. 

“Most of the answers are available online, often for free, but it takes a lot of persistence, clarity and effort to wade through all of it and find the right ones at a time when unemployment can take a huge mental and physical toll,” Pollington said.  

“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.” That’s what gets noticed. That’s what gets you in the door.” 

Bill Stoller, CEO of Express Employment International, emphasised the opportunity to use unemployment constructively.  

“By focusing on skill development and networking, job seekers can turn this period into a stepping stone for future success,” he said.