Staffing industry news: October 11, 2026

Market snapshot

• U.S. software developer job postings rose nearly 15% since February 2025 even as overall postings fell 7%, with senior roles and AI-titled positions driving the bulk of demand.
• Seasonal retail job openings are projected to hit roughly 450,000 this year, the lowest level since the Financial Crisis, as major retailers like Walmart and Target skip specific seasonal hiring targets.
• The U.S. added just 29,000 jobs last month, with roughly one opening for every 244 unemployed workers and average job searches now outlasting state unemployment benefit periods.