In a moment when traditional indicators feel out of sync with on-the-ground realities, staffing leaders are turning to industry-specific data for clearer direction. Enter Bullhorn Insights. Bullhorn’s new data and research site designed to provide near real-time visibility into labor market trends. Our October hiring outlook provides a unique, real-time view of hiring activity, showing areas of momentum, pockets of hesitation, and the subtle signals staffing leaders need to see in an otherwise uncertain market. The takeaway: the labor market is uneven, as our CEO, Art Papas, explained it in a recent interview with CBS News. Now is the time to rebalance, not overhaul, your recruiting strategies.

Permanent hiring shows renewed strength — but proceed with caution

Permanent job postings have been climbing since August, signaling growing demand for talent. However, fill rates for these roles fell in October, suggesting that openings are not always translating into successful placements for staffing firms. This may reflect increased competition for candidates, clients filling roles internally, or constraints on recruiter capacity.

For staffing leaders, this is a nuanced environment. Activity is rising, but conversion is less certain. Smart firms will leverage the increased opportunities while also refining candidate pipelines and adjusting expectations to navigate a market that’s active but challenging.

Clients are hiring, but with more scrutiny

One clear trend from the data: submissions per job are rising. Clients are evaluating more candidates for each role, reflecting a more deliberate and selective hiring process — especially in permanent positions.

What does this mean for recruitment firms? First, it’s a reminder that quality over quantity is key. Recruiters should focus on presenting the right candidate, not the most candidates. Thorough preparation, proactive communication, and strategic advising can make the difference between a filled role and a missed opportunity.

Second, rising friction between submissions and fills highlights the importance of balanced workloads. Recruiter burnout and diminishing returns are real risks if you simply push volume to meet client demand. By calibrating your teams thoughtfully and prioritizing high-value actions, you not only protect your staff but also enhance client satisfaction and conversion rates.

Temporary hiring holds steady for now

The temporary job volume index dipped slightly — from 98 to 95 — though it’s still higher than what we saw earlier this year. After an unusually strong September, demand is leveling off, though temporary placements are still outpacing permanent demand.

For staffing leaders, the key takeaway is to stay disciplined and proactive. Maintain strong relationships with temporary workers and companies hiring them, monitor early indicators of hesitation such as paused extensions or delayed start dates, and keep your messaging aligned with client priorities: flexibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. 

Leading with insight when data is scarce

With less labor data available than ever before, staffing leaders don’t have to operate in the dark. Real-time industry data, like Bullhorn Insights, provides early signals that help firms adapt quickly and strategically.

The October numbers show a labor market that’s active but uneven, with permanent hiring cautiously returning and temporary demand stabilizing. The smart approach is to rebalance your resources — invest in areas of opportunity without abandoning stability, coach recruiters to focus on quality over quantity, and leverage data to guide every decision.

With the right insights and a pragmatic, forward-thinking approach, staffing firms can navigate this moment with confidence — and even turn uncertainty into a competitive advantage.

Sign up for Bullhorn Insights to get the data that helps you see the signals others might miss. Whether it’s permanent or temporary staffing, you’ll have the visibility you need to make smart, timely decisions and keep your teams ahead of the curve.