Entry-level postings in software development and data analysis have plummeted across North America, with some data indicating a 67% decrease in junior tech postings in the US alone. The effect is not confined to the technology sector. Weak hiring has been especially pronounced for knowledge-work roles including marketing and human resources — precisely the functions that sit at the centre of most Canadian HR operations. The broader labour market is operating in what economists are calling a “low-hire, low-fire” equilibrium. Companies are achieving headcount reduction through attrition — simply choosing not to backfill roles when employees leave. This dynamic hurts entry-level candidates more than anyone else. In a low-hiring environment, the few open roles that do exist are prioritized for immediate impact, with organizations under pressure to maintain margins preferring to hire one experienced senior employee rather than three juniors who require onboarding and development.