# US Job Openings Surge in September Signaling Potential Hiring Rebound Labor market shows signs of life as job postings reach 7.5 million. - **Source:** [ABC News – Money](https://abcnews.go.com/Business) - **Published:** 2026-11-03 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/c4c84462-5ea2-4203-9ac4-a6977752da06 ## September Job Openings Increase U.S. employers significantly increased job postings in September, reaching 7.5 million openings. This figure represents a notable rise from the revised 7.19 million reported in August. It marks the highest level of available positions since May, climbing steadily from a recent low of 6.9 million recorded in March of this year. ## Labor Market Churn Dynamics The latest JOLTS report indicates that gross hiring rose while layoffs fell during September. Despite these positive shifts, the labor market has experienced sluggish activity for nearly three years. Historically low layoff rates have created high job security for current employees, but simultaneously made it difficult for new job seekers to find work. ## Worker Confidence and Quits The number of people voluntarily quitting their jobs rose to 3.37 million in September, up from 3.04 million previously. This 18-month high is generally interpreted by economists as a positive indicator. Workers typically resign only when they have secured new employment or possess high confidence in their ability to find a better role. ## October Employment Forecasts The government is scheduled to release the October jobs report this coming Friday. Analysts forecast that employers added 65,000 positions during the month, representing an improvement over the 29,000 jobs added in September. Meanwhile, the national unemployment rate is widely expected to remain stable at a relatively low level of 4.2 percent. ## Shifting Economic Requirements While 65,000 new jobs might historically signal a struggling economy, current demographic shifts change the context. The retirement of the baby boom generation and reduced immigration levels mean the economy requires fewer new jobs to maintain low unemployment. Consequently, these modest gains are sufficient to keep the labor market functioning effectively today. ## Layoff Trends and Stability Layoffs fell sharply in September to 1.64 million, marking the lowest level recorded since March 2025. This reduction in involuntary job losses contributes to the overall stability of the workforce. Low churn rates continue to define the current environment, where those already employed enjoy significant protection despite the broader economic uncertainty facing voters. ## Economic Growth and Sentiment Stronger economic growth is currently cited as the primary driver encouraging employers to ramp up their hiring efforts. However, this positive trend in labor statistics contrasts with public sentiment. Voters heading to the polls remain largely gloomy, primarily driven by concerns regarding an economy still beset by higher prices for essential goods. ## Long-term Labor Market Outlook While the September jump in job postings is a hopeful sign, sustained improvement requires this trend to continue over several months. The combination of rising quits and falling layoffs suggests a potential shift in labor market momentum. Observers will monitor upcoming reports to determine if this represents a genuine, long-term recovery in hiring. ## Sources covering this story - https://abcnews.com/Business/wireStory/us-job-postings-jumped-sharply-september-sign-hiring-137808658 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._