A weak start to the autumn recovery
Unemployment fell by 67,000 from August to 2.994 million in September 2026, while the unemployment rate dropped by 0.1 percentage points to 6.4%. After seasonal adjustment, however, unemployment rose by 12,000 and was 40,000 higher than in September 2025. The Federal Employment Agency therefore describes the autumn recovery as lacking momentum.
National averages do not determine an individual application. Sector, region, working hours, experience and availability remain decisive, but the figures show why applicants should use several search routes rather than wait for only a few ideal vacancies.
660,000 registered vacancies, but demand remains subdued
The Federal Employment Agency had 660,000 registered vacancies in September, 30,000 more than a year earlier. Its BA-X job index rose by one point to 104 and stood six points above the previous year. Even so, the agency still assesses labour demand as weak.
The statistic covers positions reported to the agency. Local tasks, private help and listings on other platforms may also exist, while the national figure says nothing about the number of suitable openings in one town or occupation.
Make the autumn job search more specific
Search by task, related job titles and skills. In logistics, for example, relevant terms may include sorting, warehouse, order picking, shipping and delivery. Create alerts for several terms and a realistic radius, and check new results regularly.
Tailor the first message to the task. State relevant experience, earliest start, available times and one concrete question. An up-to-date CV and reachable contact details reduce delays. If practical, compare part-time work, shifts, fixed-term assignments and a slightly wider radius.
For clients: clear listings attract better matches
A listing should state the task, location, start date, expected duration, working hours, pay or budget and required skills. For physical work, include weights, stairs, equipment and protective gear.
Respond promptly and clarify open questions before work starts. The parties must also determine whether the arrangement is employment, a minijob or self-employment and handle any required registration correctly. easyJobDE provides the contact channel, not the legal classification.
Use training only when it matches real demand
The Federal Ministry of Labour points to additional investment in skills and training. Applicants can ask the Employment Agency or Jobcenter whether a specific qualification, driving licence, language course or recognised credential would improve prospects in their target sector.
Before committing, compare several current job ads and note which requirements recur. Then check possible funding and whether employers recognise the intended certificate.
Conclusion
September brought modest seasonal relief, not a strong upswing. At the same time, 660,000 registered vacancies still represent many opportunities. Combining several search channels, accurate keywords, current documents and fast, specific replies gives applicants the strongest position.
The same applies to local platforms: precise task descriptions help clients find suitable people, and clear profiles help jobseekers build trust. National figures provide context; each opportunity is decided locally.