Cornering The Job Market

Pete Newsome
  • 4.7 (15)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED DAILY

The job market is changing faster than most people realize. Headlines are noisy, data is often misunderstood, and bad advice spreads quickly. Cornering the Job Market cuts through the confusion with clear, data-backed insights on what is actually happening in hiring, work, careers, and the labor market now, and in the future. Hosted by Pete Newsome, founder of one of America's top staffing and recruiting firms, this podcast breaks down the labor market from both sides of the table. Job seekers learn how employers are really making decisions. Hiring leaders and executives gain perspective on talent supply, candidate behavior, and where the market is heading next. Each episode translates complex labor data into plain English and connects the dots between hiring trends, economic signals, AI adoption, wages, layoffs, and workforce strategy. The focus is not hype or fear; with context, clarity, and practical takeaways you can use immediately. What you will hear on the show Weekly breakdowns of the U.S. job market using trusted data sourcesWhat hiring numbers actually mean for real people and real companiesHow AI is reshaping jobs, hiring, and career pathsWhy some roles stay in demand even during slowdownsWhat employers are prioritizing and what candidates often missHonest conversations about layoffs, wage pressure, job hopping, and stabilityTactical advice for job seekers at every career stageStrategic insight for HR leaders, hiring managers, and executives Who this podcast is for Professionals navigating a competitive or uncertain job marketEarly and mid-career workers trying to future-proof their careersHR leaders and talent acquisition teamsHiring managers and executives making workforce decisionsAnyone who wants clear, credible insight into where work is headed Why Cornering the Job Market is different This show is built on real hiring experience, not theory. The insights come from thousands of real job searches, real placements, and real conversations with employers and candidates across industries like IT, finance, healthcare, marketing, HR, and engineering. The goal is simple. Help you understand the job market well enough to make better decisions, whether you are hiring, job searching, or planning your next move. New episodes New episodes drop regularly with timely commentary on breaking labor market news, hiring trends, and workplace shifts. Subscribe so you do not miss an update, especially when the market changes quickly.

  1. 2H AGO

    Breaking Job News: BLS Reports 92,000 Jobs Lost, 69,000 Revised Away

    The February jobs report just dropped, and the headline is rough. U.S. payrolls fell by 92,000 in February, reversing much of January’s already revised gains. Unemployment ticked up to 4.4%, long-term unemployment jumped 27% year over year, and prior months were quietly revised downward, wiping out tens of thousands of jobs we thought existed. In today’s episode of Cornering the Job Market, host Pete Newsome breaks down what the Bureau of Labor Statistics report actually shows beneath the surface. December’s gain was revised to a loss. January was trimmed again. Sequentially, the labor market looks much weaker than the headlines suggest. Pete also unpacks the latest data from the National Federation of Independent Business, which paints a different picture. Small business hiring activity ticked up, but 85% of owners say they can’t find qualified applicants. Skilled trades shortages persist, compensation is rising in pockets, and many small firms appear focused on staying steady rather than expanding. The result is a divided labor market: payrolls falling nationally while small businesses struggle to fill specific roles. Wages are holding up, but displaced workers are taking longer to find jobs. So here’s the big question: Are we entering a real downturn in the job market, or are these numbers masking something deeper beneath the revisions? Articles: 1. BLS Employment Situation Summary: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm 2. NFIB Jobs Report: https://www.nfib.com/news/press-release/nfib-jobs-report-employment-index-ticks-up/ 📽️ WATCH TODAY'S EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/09dGRZATJEs 🧠 WANT TO LEARN MORE? Be sure to subscribe and check out 4 Corner Resources at https://www.4cornerresources.com/ 👋 FOLLOW PETE NEWSOME ONLINE: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petenewsome/ Blog Articles: https://www.4cornerresources.com/blog/

    10 min

  2. 1D AGO

    Breaking Job News: Hiring Slows Nationwide as Profitable Firms Cut Jobs

    Layoffs are down, but hiring is falling even faster. In today’s Cornering the Job Market, host Pete Newsome breaks down a wave of new labor market data that reveals a troubling pattern: companies aren’t cutting aggressively anymore, but they’re not adding jobs either. We start with the February Challenger Job Cut Report, which shows layoffs dropped sharply month over month. Sounds like good news... until you see hiring plans are down more than 50% from last year. The result? Workers are keeping their jobs, but new opportunities aren’t opening up. Then comes the surprise announcement from Morgan Stanley, cutting 2,500 employees despite a record revenue year. Similar patterns are emerging across major corporations: strong earnings, yet shrinking headcount. The message is shifting from “cutting because we have to” to “cutting because of where we’re going.” Finally, Pete breaks down three fresh labor market reports, including new data from Revelio Labs, showing net job losses, falling job postings, slower hiring rates, and even declining new job posting salaries. Hiring is running at stall speed, and attrition is outpacing additions. So here’s the question: Would you rather see layoffs spike again, or stay in a market where jobs just quietly disappear and never get replaced? Articles: 1. February Challenger Report: https://www.challengergray.com/blog/challenger-report-february-cuts-plunge-hiring-falls-56-percent/ 2. DOL Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims: https://www.dol.gov/ui/data.pdf 3. Morgan Stanley Cuts: https://www.reuters.com/business/world-at-work/morgan-stanley-lays-off-2500-employees-across-all-divisions-wsj-reports-2026-03-04/ 4. Revelio Labs Report: https://www.reveliolabs.com/news/rpls/the-economy-shed-17k-jobs-in-february-2026/ 📽️ WATCH TODAY'S EPISODE ON YOUTUBE:  https://youtu.be/v8UEVw093pw 🧠 WANT TO LEARN MORE? Be sure to subscribe and check out 4 Corner Resources at https://www.4cornerresources.com/ 👋 FOLLOW PETE NEWSOME ONLINE: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petenewsome/ Blog Articles: https://www.4cornerresources.com/blog/

    8 min

  3. 2D AGO

    Breaking Job News: The February Jobs Report Looks Good… Until You See the Details

    A new employment report suggests the job market is improving, but the details tell a very different story. In today’s episode of Cornering the Job Market, host Pete Newsome breaks down the latest private payroll data from ADP, which shows the strongest hiring month in seven months. Private employers added 63,000 jobs in February, a headline that sounds encouraging at first glance. A closer look reveals that nearly all of that growth came from just two sectors: healthcare and construction. Healthcare continues to expand as demand for workers grows, while construction hiring is being fueled by massive investments in data centers. Outside those areas, the picture is far less optimistic. Professional and business services lost tens of thousands of jobs for the second straight month, and manufacturing continues a long downward trend. Pete also explores what the data says about who actually holds the power in today’s labor market. The pay premium for switching jobs has dropped to a record low, signaling that employers now have the upper hand after the worker-driven hiring frenzy of 2022. Next, we look at surprising new research from Revelio Labs about LinkedIn profiles. The study finds that professionals who list degrees like MBA or PhD next to their name often score lower on prestige metrics, and MBA holders who do so earn significantly less on average than those who don’t. Finally, Pete reviews new workplace data from Gartner on how companies are actually using AI. Many managers report productivity improvements, but most organizations are still struggling to implement AI effectively. Leadership teams are experimenting heavily, while employees lag behind in adoption. The result is a job market that looks healthy on the surface, but is changing quickly underneath. So the question is: If hiring growth is concentrated in only a few industries, what does that mean for everyone else? Articles: 1. ADP Employment Report: https://adpemploymentreport.com/ 2. Revelio Labs Analysis: https://www.reveliolabs.com/news/social/listing-your-degree-in-your-name-may-not-signal-what-you-think/ 3. Gartner HR Survey: https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2026-3-4-gartner-hr-survey-reveals-45-percent-of-managers-report-ai-has-lived-up-to-their-expectations 📽️ WATCH TODAY'S EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/MZ2hexFYOMk 🧠 WANT TO LEARN MORE? Be sure to subscribe and check out 4 Corner Resources at https://www.4cornerresources.com/ 👋 FOLLOW PETE NEWSOME ONLINE: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petenewsome/ Blog Articles: https://www.4cornerresources.com/blog/

    10 min

  4. 3D AGO

    Breaking Job News: If AI Takes Your Job, the Fed Can’t Help

    If AI replaces your job, can the Federal Reserve help? According to a new Reuters report, the answer may be no. In today’s episode of Cornering the Job Market, host Pete Newsome breaks down why Fed officials are openly questioning whether traditional tools like interest rate cuts will work in an AI-driven displacement cycle and why that admission matters more than most people realize. Pete starts with Block’s decision to cut roughly 40% of its workforce, about 10,000 roles, as CEO Jack Dorsey leans into AI-powered, smaller teams. He explains why this isn’t a struggling company story, but a productivity shift story and what it signals for white-collar workers. Pete also looks at Fed Governor Lisa Cook’s warning that rate cuts may not solve AI-driven job loss, alongside research from the Brookings Institution suggesting up to 30% of workers could see major task disruption. Next, he turns to a troubling workforce trend: a new Gallup survey showing 71% of public school teachers now hold second jobs, with most working during the school year. Teacher pay now trails comparably educated workers by 27%, the largest gap in 50 years. Pete connects this to long-term talent pipeline risks and what it says about how we value essential professions. Finally, he unpacks a The Wall Street Journal piece highlighting concerns about Gen Z entering the workforce without core interpersonal skills. NYU professor Tessa West argues that fewer in-person experiences and early relationship-building opportunities may be weakening leadership development for an entire generation. Pete shares why this matters for managers, employers, and young professionals alike. The takeaway: AI is reshaping white-collar work, teachers are financially stretched, and workplace norms are shifting fast. So here’s the question: Are we prepared for a labor market where technology advances faster than our institutions (and our workforce) can adapt? Articles: 1. AI/Fed Story: https://www.reuters.com/business/fed-races-adapt-ai-promises-pitfalls-jobs-inflation-2026-03-02/ 2. Gallup Survey: https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/02/business/jobs-teachers-salary-prices 3. WSJ Report: https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/gen-z-worker-skills-294463f6?mod=careers_news_article_pos2 📽️ WATCH TODAY'S EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/Z3BQ1FACgYU 🧠 WANT TO LEARN MORE? Be sure to subscribe and check out 4 Corner Resources at https://www.4cornerresources.com/ 👋 FOLLOW PETE NEWSOME ONLINE: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petenewsome/ Blog Articles: https://www.4cornerresources.com/blog/

    13 min

  5. 6D AGO

    Breaking Job News: Block Cuts 40% of Staff as Gig Worker Rules Shift & Tech Layoffs Surge

    One company just cut 40% of its workforce... and Wall Street rewarded it. In today’s episode of Cornering the Job Market, host Pete Newsome breaks down Block’s decision to eliminate more than 4,000 roles despite strong revenue and profit growth. CEO Jack Dorsey made it clear: AI has made teams productive enough to operate with far fewer people. Investors responded by sending Block’s stock up 25% overnight, signaling a powerful incentive for other CEOs watching closely. Pete explains why this moment may mark a turning point in the AI era (especially for desk-based roles) and why the divide between “on your feet” jobs and corporate positions continues to widen. The episode also covers a major proposed rule change from the U.S. Department of Labor that would make it easier for companies like Uber and DoorDash to classify workers as independent contractors. The shift would reverse Biden-era protections and simplify the criteria for contractor status, reopening the long-running debate over flexibility versus worker protections. Finally, Pete reviews February’s tech layoff numbers, with more than 10,000 confirmed cuts across companies, including eBay, Workday, and C3.ai, some trimming a quarter or more of their workforce. The pace in early 2026 is already outpacing last year. The big question: Is this a temporary correction, or are we watching the job market permanently resize around AI? Articles: 1. Block AI Layoffs: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/fintech-company-block-lays-off-054744823.html?guccounter=1 2: Trump Administration Plans to Reverse Gig Worker Rules: https://www.wsj.com/business/trump-administration-plans-to-reverse-biden-rules-on-gig-workers-26690ccd?mod=jobs_news_article_pos3 3: Layoffs.fyi: https://layoffs.fyi/ 📽️ WATCH TODAY'S EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/ZGV_BUNh2Fc 🧠 WANT TO LEARN MORE? Be sure to subscribe and check out 4 Corner Resources at https://www.4cornerresources.com/ 👋 FOLLOW PETE NEWSOME ONLINE: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petenewsome/ Blog Articles: https://www.4cornerresources.com/blog/

    11 min

  6. FEB 26

    Breaking Job News: 93% of Jobs Are Exposed to AI. Is Yours?

    The labor market may be stuck in neutral, but AI is accelerating fast. In today’s episode of Cornering the Job Market, host Pete Newsome breaks down a major new study from Cognizant that analyzed more than 18,000 tasks across 1,000 jobs and found that 93% of U.S. jobs are now exposed to AI in some capacity. Even more striking: the level of disruption researchers expected by 2032 has already arrived... six years ahead of schedule. The report estimates that $4.5 trillion in U.S. labor value could potentially shift from humans to AI. Financial managers, software developers, legal roles, administrative support, and even C-suite executives rank among the most exposed. Meanwhile, construction, repair, healthcare support, and other hands-on roles remain the least affected, at least for now. Pete explains what “exposure” really means (not elimination, but task automation), why efficiency gains may reduce overall headcount needs, and how AI is increasingly handling planning, forecasting, coding, documentation, and customer support. On the broader labor market front, weekly jobless claims remain low, and unemployment is forecast at around 4.28%. However, unemployed workers are having a harder time finding jobs compared to last year. It’s a low-hire, low-fire environment; stable on the surface, but subtly weakening underneath. The big takeaway: AI acceleration is outpacing labor market momentum. Companies are preparing for a more automated future, even if the headline employment numbers haven’t fully reflected it yet. So here’s the question: If 93% of jobs have tasks AI can already handle, where does your role fall on that spectrum, and are you adapting fast enough? Articles: 1. Cognizant Report: https://www.cognizant.com/us/en/aem-i/ai-and-the-future-of-work-report 2. Department of Labor Report: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/OPA/newsreleases/ui-claims/20260322.pdf 3. Chicago Fed Release: https://www.chicagofed.org/research/data/chicago-fed-labor-market-indicators/latest-release 📽️ WATCH TODAY'S EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/lUmrI8hK1Kg 🧠 WANT TO LEARN MORE? Be sure to subscribe and check out 4 Corner Resources at https://www.4cornerresources.com/ 👋 FOLLOW PETE NEWSOME ONLINE: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petenewsome/ Blog Articles: https://www.4cornerresources.com/blog/

    11 min

  7. FEB 25

    Breaking Job News: 98% of Executives Want AI Skills, But Companies Won’t Pay for Them

    AI skills are no longer optional. According to new data from Zapier, 98% of executives say they want employees who can use AI, and many are investing heavily in training, hiring, and building AI-focused roles. Pay premiums are emerging for top AI talent, and the C-suite is making it clear: AI capability is the new baseline. At the same time, a new survey from Express Employment Professionals shows job seekers aren’t waiting for formal education to catch up. Two-thirds of Gen Z are teaching themselves job skills online, and most hiring managers say self-taught skills are credible if candidates can prove they’ve actually used them. Listing a skill isn’t enough anymore. Demonstration is everything. But here’s the contradiction. The latest compensation data from PayScale shows base pay increases are slowing, nine-to-five schedules are fading, and most companies updating roles with AI responsibilities are not offering additional compensation. Organizations want AI skills, but many aren’t paying meaningfully more for them, at least not yet. The message is clear: build AI capability, demonstrate real-world application, and don’t rely on traditional pay structures to reward you automatically. The market is shifting fast, and those who adapt early will have leverage. So here’s the question: If AI skills are becoming mandatory, should companies be paying a clear premium for them, or is this just the new cost of staying employable? Articles: 1. Zapier AI Job Market Report: https://zapier.com/blog/ai-job-market-report/ 2. Express Employment Professionals Report: https://www.expresspros.com/newsroom/news-releases/news-releases/2026/02/gen-z-leads-a-66-percent-surge-in-self-taught-job-skills-creating-a-verification-headache 3. Payscale 2026 Compensation Best Practices Report: https://www.payscale.com/press-releases/2026-compensation-best-practices-report 📽️ WATCH TODAY'S EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/LS83CZLST74 🧠 WANT TO LEARN MORE? Be sure to subscribe and check out 4 Corner Resources at https://www.4cornerresources.com/ 👋 FOLLOW PETE NEWSOME ONLINE: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petenewsome/ Blog Articles: https://www.4cornerresources.com/blog/

    12 min

  8. FEB 24

    Breaking Job News: AI Is Making Some Workers Rich And Others Replaceable

    The labor market just sent a mixed signal, and it’s one we can’t ignore. In today’s episode of Cornering the Job Market, host Pete Newsome breaks down new research from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas showing that while AI-exposed industries are seeing fewer jobs overall, wages for experienced professionals are rising sharply. In computer systems design, pay has jumped more than double the national rate since 2022, even as employment declined. The pattern is clear: AI is substituting entry-level work while amplifying experienced workers. Economists call it the “experience premium.” In simple terms, AI can replicate codifiable knowledge, but it still struggles with judgment and tacit expertise. That makes seasoned professionals more valuable, and makes the climb harder for young workers trying to break in. At the same time, new data from ADP shows U.S. worker turnover has fallen to its lowest level in nearly a decade. Hiring has slowed, quitting has slowed, and the pay bump from switching jobs is now the weakest since 2017. The labor market isn’t collapsing... It’s stagnating. Then Pete turns to a policy paper from the Brookings Institution, which highlights a major gap in the U.S. tax code: labor is taxed at five to six times the effective rate of automation equipment. In other words, the system may be quietly incentivizing companies to replace workers rather than augment them. The big question isn’t whether AI will affect jobs; it already is. The real question is whether companies will use it to enhance workers or eliminate them. So here’s the question: If AI keeps boosting productivity while shrinking entry-level pathways, what happens to the next generation of workers? Articles: 1. AI Is Simultaneously Aiding & Replacing Workers: https://www.dallasfed.org/research/economics/2026/0224 2. What Happened to Labor Market Dynamism: https://www.adpresearch.com/what-happened-to-labor-market-dynamism/ 3. Building Pro-Worker AI: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/building-pro-worker-ai/ 📽️ WATCH TODAY'S EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/d-YeC5PzRDs 🧠 WANT TO LEARN MORE? Be sure to subscribe and check out 4 Corner Resources at https://www.4cornerresources.com/ 👋 FOLLOW PETE NEWSOME ONLINE: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petenewsome/ Blog Articles: https://www.4cornerresources.com/blog/

    12 min
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4.7
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

The job market is changing faster than most people realize. Headlines are noisy, data is often misunderstood, and bad advice spreads quickly. Cornering the Job Market cuts through the confusion with clear, data-backed insights on what is actually happening in hiring, work, careers, and the labor market now, and in the future. Hosted by Pete Newsome, founder of one of America's top staffing and recruiting firms, this podcast breaks down the labor market from both sides of the table. Job seekers learn how employers are really making decisions. Hiring leaders and executives gain perspective on talent supply, candidate behavior, and where the market is heading next. Each episode translates complex labor data into plain English and connects the dots between hiring trends, economic signals, AI adoption, wages, layoffs, and workforce strategy. The focus is not hype or fear; with context, clarity, and practical takeaways you can use immediately. What you will hear on the show Weekly breakdowns of the U.S. job market using trusted data sourcesWhat hiring numbers actually mean for real people and real companiesHow AI is reshaping jobs, hiring, and career pathsWhy some roles stay in demand even during slowdownsWhat employers are prioritizing and what candidates often missHonest conversations about layoffs, wage pressure, job hopping, and stabilityTactical advice for job seekers at every career stageStrategic insight for HR leaders, hiring managers, and executives Who this podcast is for Professionals navigating a competitive or uncertain job marketEarly and mid-career workers trying to future-proof their careersHR leaders and talent acquisition teamsHiring managers and executives making workforce decisionsAnyone who wants clear, credible insight into where work is headed Why Cornering the Job Market is different This show is built on real hiring experience, not theory. The insights come from thousands of real job searches, real placements, and real conversations with employers and candidates across industries like IT, finance, healthcare, marketing, HR, and engineering. The goal is simple. Help you understand the job market well enough to make better decisions, whether you are hiring, job searching, or planning your next move. New episodes New episodes drop regularly with timely commentary on breaking labor market news, hiring trends, and workplace shifts. Subscribe so you do not miss an update, especially when the market changes quickly.

Information

  • Creator
    Pete Newsome
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    197
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Cornering The Job Market
  • Show Website
    Cornering The Job Market