The State of the Job Market in BC (2025): Why Career Counselling Matters More Than Ever

Sep 21

British Columbia’s labour market is undergoing changes that are making job searches more complex

For recent grads, mid-career changers, and anyone thinking of what comes next, the BC job market can feel overwhelming. If you’re feeling uncertain about your next move, you’re not alone. But you can gain clarity, confidence, and direction — and that’s where career counselling comes in.

In this article, we’ll cover:

The current state of the job market in BC
Key challenges and opportunities for young adults and adult job-seekers
How career counselling can help you navigate this landscape successfully
Practical tips if you’re considering working with a career counsellor

The Current State of the Job Market in British Columbia

Here are some of the main trends for BC as of late 2025:

Unemployment is rising. BC’s unemployment rate in BC was 6.2% in August 2025 — up from 5.9% in July (Statistics Canada).
Job losses across full-time and part-time work. August saw declines in both full-time (-9,300 jobs, ~-0.4%) and part-time (-6,400 jobs, ~-1.1%) employment (WorkBC).
Sectors hit harder than others. The information, culture, and recreation sector — especially film and TV — experienced some of the biggest losses (Job Bank BC).
National & provincial pressures. Rising unemployment nationally (~7.1%), weakening job vacancies, and industry slowdowns are contributing to uncertainty (Robert Half).

What this means for job-seekers:

More competition for fewer positions in certain industries
Employers expecting more experience or flexibility
Underemployment becoming more common
The rising importance of transferable skills, adaptability, and continuous learning

Challenges and Opportunities for Young Adults and Adults

Challenges

Uncertainty & overwhelm — shifting demand (e.g. tech slowdowns, film/TV fluctuations) makes it hard to know which paths are stable.
Mismatch of skills and opportunities — degrees or past work experience don’t always align with areas of growth.
Barriers to entry — lack of relevant experience, weak networks, or unclear goals can stall progress.
Confidence issues — repeated rejections or failed pivots can erode motivation and increase stress.

Opportunities

Growth in health care, green economy, trades, and certain tech niches (WorkBC).
Expanding remote/hybrid options giving greater geographic flexibility (Canadian Career Development Foundation).
Easier access to lifelong learning through micro-credentials, apprenticeships, and training (Euroguidance).
Increasing feasibility of career transitions through transferrable skills and bridging programs.

How Career Counselling Helps

Working with a trained career counsellor is about much more than polishing a resume. It can offer:

Clarity of goals and values — defining what matters most (stability, growth, balance, meaningful work) and aligning career decisions accordingly.
Labour market insight — interpreting BC’s job data, identifying growing industries, and setting realistic expectations around salaries and opportunities.
Identifying transferable skills — showing how your past experience carries over and what gaps you may need to address.
Strategic job search support — from ATS-friendly resumes and tailored cover letters to networking strategies, interview prep, and salary negotiation.
Mindset and resilience — tools to manage stress, rebuild confidence, and maintain momentum during transitions.
Accountability and structure — breaking big goals into manageable steps and keeping you on track.

Practical Tips if You’re Considering Career Counselling

Assess your current situation. Are you a new grad, mid-career, or changing fields?
Do your research. Not all counsellors are equally trained in career development — ask about background, tools and approach.
Consider format & cost. Online vs. in-person, one-off vs. structured program.
Use validated assessments. Tools like the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) or Strong Interest Inventory can be helpful, especially with professional interpretation.
Commit to action. Direction only matters if you put it into practice.
Stay flexible. Adjust based on applications, interviews, and market shifts.

Conclusion

BC'‘s job market is in flux — with some sectors contracting while others expand. This creates both uncertainty and opportunity.

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure, career counselling can provide the clarity, strategy, and confidence you need to move forward. With the right guidance, you can base decisions not on fear, but on your strengths, values, and the realities of today’s job market.

Hello! I am Erica Nye, a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC).

I support adults through anxiety, depression, burnout, relationships, grief and loss, and career-related challenges. My approach combines practical strategies with emotional insight, helping clients move forward with clarity and resilience.

If this article resonated, I’d love to connect. Book a free 15-minute consultation to learn more.