Newest jobs report show hiring fell below economists' expectations, unemployment going up

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- A new report from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics showed employers added 22,000 jobs in August, falling well below economists' expectations of 75,000 jobs.

"What our clients tell us is there's still continuing uncertainty," said Don Sharp, who serves as Managing Director of the Petroleum Refining and Chemicals group at Management Recruiters of Raleigh.

Sharp has worked in the recruiting space for more than three decades and has seen all types of hiring cycles. This period has featured different impacts in different sectors.

"Definitely in the manufacturing space, we're seeing some pullbacks, but we also see some very healthy hiring in some sectors like construction and health care," Sharp explained.

Notably, the US has lost 78,000 manufacturing jobs in 2025, despite efforts by the Trump administration to entice companies to onshore production in an effort to avoid tariffs.

"I think the tariffs definitely in (manufacturing), we definitely hear this a lot from our department heads, C-suite directors, that it's just the element of uncertainty that this has introduced (in) waiting to see how this kind of all shakes out. That puts some companies on the sidelines in terms of hiring," said Sharp.

The national unemployment rate hit 4.3% in August, increasing for the second straight month and hitting its highest level since October 2021. Further, downward revisions of the June report showed the US lost jobs that month, marking the first time that's happened since December 2020.

For those seeking employment, Sharp encourages people to update their resume, notably highlighting measurable contributions, maintain a presence on professional networking sites, and learn AI.

"I think that's going to be obviously an increasingly critical skill for many workers," said Sharp.

A report published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York downplayed the impact of AI on hiring thus far, though its prevalence is notable.

"I think there's an opportunity for growth and development within that field and seeing how it can enhance experience, but also being cautious of it and what it means for the workforce," said NC State Student Body President Isaac Carreno.

Carreno, a senior on a pre-law track, cited his internships at the General Assembly and Capitol Hill as helping him plan for his future career.

"I've learned a lot about what I want to do and where I want to focus on. I think the other thing is those internships have helped opened up my awareness to other things I'd be willing to explore as well," Carreno explained.

He highlighted efforts to assist students in career development.

"We do hear a lot about what kind of opportunities and resources are available on-campus to promote the students and especially the accessibility of them and how to make sure all students can have a great path forward when it comes to finding that next step in their career," said Carreno.

Carreno believes most students on-campus take the initiative in preparing for the workforce.

"Our school specifically does set up well to have internship opportunities (and) to have mentors. The faculty is amazing, they've helped me many times. It's just a matter of what's out there that's beyond our control, and I think that's what is the big challenge that we're experiencing right now," Carreno said.

While statewide unemployment figures for August are not yet available, North Carolina has consistently performed better than the national average. According to the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the state's unemployment rate in July was 3.7% compared to 4.2% nationally.

Corinne Scott has lived in several different states, and was experiencing personal challenges last year when she wanted to shift her career path.

"I wanted an opportunity to make a change in my own life," said Scott.

After working in the non-profit sector, she sought a career in the security industry.

"Integrity applies everywhere. Being on time and dependable and responsible applies everywhere. Now, the learning aspect of it, I'm definitely I'm a lifelong learner. So I'm definitely willing to do what it takes to learn whatever I need to learn to move ahead," said Scott.

Scott utilized resources at Dress for Success Triangle NC, including resume building and interviewing techniques, helping her land a job last year before being promoted in June.

"Dress for Success enabled me to boost up my skills, to actually market myself and put myself in a better position to be able to be promoted," Scott explained.

Despite the hiring slowdown, Sharp believes hiring nationally could soon pick up.

"It still seems as though the perception is that the economy is healthy (and) is still seeming to expand. I think a lot of people are optimistic for potential rate cuts this fall. I think the more the dust settles from the tariff impacts, the more confidence it will give to more companies to move ahead," said Sharp.

The Federal Reserve is set to meet on September 16th and 17th.

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