If one is out there looking for work then the sad news is there is little to choose from.

A private survey projects a continued decline in the hiring intentions of U.S. employers during the fourth quarter.

“The continuing softness in hiring activity comes as no surprise as weakening market conditions are causing many companies to carefully adjust their hiring in line with the demand for their product or service,” said Jeffrey A. Joerres, chairman and CEO of Manpower, in a statement Tuesday.

Survey data shows that six of the 10 industry sectors surveyed will decrease hiring slightly during the fourth quarter compared with the third quarter, continuing a downward trend.

Mining is the only sector that expects to raise staff levels during the fourth quarter, according to the survey. Employers in the durable and non-durable goods manufacturing, transportation/public utilities, wholesale/retail trade, finance/insurance/real estate and services sectors all expect to decrease hiring.