Job matching refers to all activities that facilitate access to employment for individuals of working age, whether they are currently employed or actively seeking work. This process involves identifying suitable employment opportunities for individuals and ensuring that their skills and qualifications meet the demands of the labour market. The scope of job matching services varies across countries due to a complex interplay of technology adoption, economic conditions, and cultural and market dynamics. Countries may encounter a range of unique challenges, such as limited infrastructure, budgetary and regulatory constraints, and diverse levels of technological literacy among the population, all of which can hinder the effective adoption of new technologies that could greatly enhance the efficiency of job matching services. While these structural differences highlight the lack of a one-size- fits-all solution, the guidebook identifies key points of convergence in the definition and scope of job matching.1 Framework for successful job matching Job matching: definition and scopeDefinition Country-specific needsScope While the primary objective of job matching activities is to connect individuals with job opportunities within a national labour market or across borders, three complementary activities are commonly pursued through job matching: Market insights derived from data analysis offer valuable information about labour market trends, employment patterns, skill demands and job locations. This data-driven approach enables policy-makers and employers to make informed decisions about workforce development and job matching strategies.Labour market insights Human capital planning involves anticipating future labour market needs and preparing the workforce accordingly. This includes aggregating job offers and demand from diverse sources, and offering valuable insights into emerging employment trends and opportunities.Human capital planning Upskilling and reskilling programmes are structured training initiatives aimed at equipping individuals with the skills needed to meet the evolving demands of the labour market. These programmes, which can include vocational training, professional development courses and other educational opportunities, play a crucial role in enhancing job matching services.Upskilling and reskilling Matching Talent to the Jobs of Tomorrow: A Guidebook for Public Employment Services 7

Matching Talent to the Jobs of Tomorrow A Guidebook for Public Employment Services 2025