What Jobseekers Are Looking for in Durham – JFD Insights from Q2 2025
Understanding jobseeker behaviour is just as important as tracking employer demand. In Q2 2025, over 34,000 job seeker interactions were recorded across the Durham Workforce Authority’s tools, giving us a clear view of how people are navigating the job market.
The Job Board remained the most used tool, with 20,591 interactions and 15,341 job post clicks. The top search terms included “warehouse“, “retail“, “customer service“, and “restaurant staff” — reflecting continued interest in accessible, entry-level roles.
The Career Explorer, Job Map, and Portal also logged thousands of interactions, reinforcing that job seekers are using multiple tools to find the right fit.
When we look at occupational interests, sales and service occupations continued to dominate, especially within TEER 4 and 5 categories, which typically include roles that require little formal education or experience. However, there was also engagement with health-related and administrative roles, suggesting that some job seekers are exploring paths into more stable or higher-paying careers.
Interestingly, the most used filters on the Job Board showed a strong preference for work-from-home, seasonal, and casual opportunities. This indicates that flexibility remains a top priority for many individuals—whether due to caregiving responsibilities, transportation barriers, or other personal circumstances.
As Durham’s economy evolves, these insights show that job seekers are not just looking for work—they’re looking for work that fits their lives. Whether that’s a stepping stone role, a flexible job that balances family needs, or an entry point into a new industry, understanding these preferences helps employers and service providers better meet people where they are.