LEXINGTON, Ky. — In July, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the unemployment rate in the U.S. was at 3.5%, with Kentucky above the national rate at 3.8%.

It’s been difficult for both employers to fill open positions and for people who are on the job hunt to find a suitable fit.

Adrienne Hunt, a branch diretcor with Robert Half, said that the market is steady yet competitive. Robert Half is a talent solutions firm that helps match employers with job seekers, says

Hunt said the recruiting and hiring processes take onger due to employers looking for the right fit.

“The market’s complex at this point,” said Hunt. “It’s been painted with a broad brush and so there are factors on the employers’ side who are seeking as well as the job-seeking side.”

Employers are having to hone in on specific skill sets that they are looking for and needing to reflect on what’s going to be suitable for the company.

Job seekers are looking for jobs that will pay well and have good benefits. Plus, since the pandemic, the demand for remote positions has increased.

“It’s more of just everybody getting on the same page, being flexible, willing to negotiate, have those conversations and I think really reflecting — job seeker or business — what’s the most important,” said Hunt.

Despite the competitive market, people seem to have confidence about eventually finding a job; 24% of people who are employed will leave their job before having another one, according to research conducted by Robert Half.